Hey there, let's take a moment to reflect on the life of the legendary Elvis Presley. If he were still with us, Elvis would have celebrated his 83rd birthday on January 8. Unfortunately, the King of Rock 'n' Roll left us far too soon, passing away at just 42 years old from a heart attack. But here's the thing—his music and influence continue to resonate with fans across the globe. Linda Thompson, who dated Elvis from 1972 to 1976, recently shared some heartfelt memories with Closer Weekly. "Back then, I was just a fan. I never imagined he'd become the timeless icon he is today," Linda said at the Unbridled Eve Gala Prelude Party in Hollywood on January 4. "Every year, there's a candlelight vigil on the eve of his passing, drawing tens of thousands of people from all corners of the world. It's truly incredible!"
A Journey Through Time: Linda and Elvis
Linda Thompson's life changed forever when she first crossed paths with Elvis in 1972. At the time, she was Miss Tennessee, attending a private movie screening where their paths intertwined. Their relationship blossomed quickly, but it wasn't all glitz and glamour. Elvis had recently gone through a painful divorce with Priscilla Presley, and his dependency on prescription pills was taking its toll. Linda, now 67, reflects on those challenging years with grace and honesty. "I can't say I saved him, but I did everything I could to take care of him," she says. "I truly believe my efforts extended his life by a few precious years."
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View this post on InstagramBig TBT-Christmas 1972 my first Christmas at Graceland and our first Christmas as a couple…🎄🎅🏻❤️ wearing one of my Christmas presents. #nofurnow 😳 #fauxfur
Standing By His Side: Love and Responsibility
During their time together, Linda was by Elvis's side through multiple hospitalizations, which were often disguised as detox periods. "Sometimes, the more powerful someone is, the more vulnerable they are," Linda explains. Despite being in her early 20s, she felt an immense responsibility to care for him. However, the strain of his addiction eventually became too much, and she parted ways with him eight months before his death. Yet, her dedication didn't go unnoticed. Vernon Presley, Elvis's father, acknowledged her efforts during his son's funeral. "His father came up to me that night and said, 'Don’t think I don’t know that you kept my son alive,'" Linda recalls. Even after all these years, she still holds Elvis in high regard. "He was my first love, and he changed my life more than anyone else," she tells Closer. "The first love always holds a special place in your heart." Linda adds, "No matter what you do, time and circumstances always find a way to make themselves known."
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