It has been well documented that (sadly) Elvis and Priscilla’s marriage began to deteriorate in 1971 and, with increasing torment for both, Elvis filed for divorce from Priscilla with it being finalized on October 9, 1973. These photographs capture Elvis and Priscilla walking out of court. Elvis appears to be heavy (i.e. gained weight). Priscilla appears to be fine. At times they held hands and, as one photograph confirms, Elvis reached over and kissed her. Priscilla would later state that “as we walked out of court I held Elvis’ hand. They were swollen and I was shocked at how bad he looked. I was worried. Elvis had always taken great pride in his appearance and I wasn’t prepared for how he looked. I knew the divorce, and seeing Lisa Marie, weighed heavily on him and we both made mistakes. He leaned over to me and sang part of the Dolly Parton song I will always love you”.

What many Elvis fans don’t know is that Elvis made a specific request of Priscilla in the divorce filings/proceedings which the presiding Judge upheld and that was Priscilla was not to use the Presley name. She was court ordered to legally change her last name. Elvis did not make this demand at the spur of the moment. He made it a center piece of his divorce. Many of those close to Elvis, including family members – coworkers – loved ones – friends – etc, have said that “Elvis was adamant on Priscilla losing the right to be called Presley. There was no doubt that Elvis loved her very much but there were other emotions involved. Elvis never thought his marriage would come to an end “. He had invested much in the relationship and as photographs and videos attest Elvis dotted on Priscilla. Elvis showed PDA. Elvis was always intimate and gentle behind closed doors with Priscilla. Openly he was caring, and loving and the photos and videos of the late 1960’s show that this was among the happiest times in Elvis’ life.

At the time of Elvis’ divorce I had been a fan for decades. Many magazines had storylines about the problems in their marriage for a few years. When the divorce was realized the story became more sensational with obvious leaks from firsthand accounts. The american love story between Elvis and Priscilla had come to an end (legally) approximately six and a half years of marriage.

We never contemplated that Elvis would pass away four years later. We had seen Elvis recently on TV on the Aloha from Hawaii concert and Elvis looked fine and sounded exceptional. noticeably Elvis included many love, divorce, children, etc. songs that meant a great deal to him. Since my own parents were divorced, and at the time I was the only one of my peers/classmates whose parents got divorced. It was almost unheard of and Elvis could have married just about any woman in the world as fans we worried and we hadn’t seen Elvis this sullen/sad since (sadly) his beloved mother passed away on August 14, 1958.

Those close to Elvis say between the divorce, the reality that Lisa Marie was not always nearby, his failing health (mentally, emotionally, physcially), his financial burdens, and no other major professional endeavors in the works (i.e. unlike the 1968 comeback TV special by Singer, his return to live performances in 1969 after a seven year absence, the pent up deamand by fans to see Elvis in concert across the United States/World, the 1973 Aloha from Hawaii tv special which was watched by an estimated audience of ONE BILLION people, etc.) it was a combination that adversely affected Elvis 24/7. Worth noting is that Elvis never knew how much he was loved. How much he was admired. How much his music meant to people. How many cared about him. Today it is a no brainer but Elvis had serious doubts about his legacy and the choices he had made in his life.

Elvis was wholly unique. I am sad that generations never had the chance to see Elvis alive, in concert, releasing great music, and/or seeing him in his prime. Looking, and smiling, like no one else..ever. He was remarkable.

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