Elvis Presley ‘was changed’ by ex Linda Thompson – ‘I’d never seen him do that before!’

ELVIS PRESLEY dated Linda Thompson for four years in the latter part of his short life. The King's step-brother has shared how much of an effect she had on the music icon beyond that of his other major lovers.

By George Simpson, Senior Film and Arts Reporter

Elvis Presley was ’nuzzling’ against me says Linda Thompson

Following his separation from Priscilla – the only woman he married – began dating 22-year-old Miss Tennessee Model . In fact, the 50th anniversary of their first meeting has just passed and his old flame has been paying tribute.

Earlier this month, Linda wrote on Instagram: “It’s astonishing how quickly time/life moves forward! 50 years ago today July 6, 1972, I met, & fell in love at first sight with Elvis Presley. My life was changed irrevocably.

"The memories of the years I lived & travelled with him, the valuable lessons I learned, and my capacity to love honestly and unconditionally have followed & served me throughout my life.

"Elvis’s legacy endures today because of his phenomenally loyal fan base…not because of crass commercialisation or those who profitably capitalise on his name and likeness.

"Elvis lives on in the hearts of those who recognise that he was a true original…a spectacularly flawed and fabulous human being.”

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elvis and linda

Elvis Presley ‘was changed’ by ex Linda Thompson – ‘I’d never seen him do that before!’ (Image: GETTY)

linda's story

Linda Thompson's Instagram story (Image: LINDA THOMPSON)

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Linda added: “There are so few of us left on this earth who intimately knew and loved the essence of his heart & soul…

"The human entity… Not the name in lights on the marquee.

"Elvis was a uniquely complicated, dichotomous man in all of his simplicity…a man who set the world on fire with his music, his generosity, his charisma, his passion, his sensuality, his humour, his loyalty, his sensitivity, his humility, his vulnerabilities and his strengths…the devotion of his love…

"That’s how he would want to be remembered.”

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elvis timeline

Elvis timeline (Image: EXPRESS)

Today Linda, shared a quote in his Instagram story by Billy Stanley, Elvis’ step-brother.

He said: “When Linda came into Elvis’ life he changed, he would stand up when Linda walked into the room.

"I’d never seen him do that before. He took really good care of himself, why you ask because Linda was a beauty queen and she always looked good.

"To Elvis that was a little bit of competition. With others in Elvis’ life before Linda, he’d try to change them but Linda already had her look and Elvis couldn’t improve on it!” She commented: “Sweeeeet.”

Alongside Elvis’ final girlfriend Ginger Alden, Linda has been very vocal on social media about not being included in the movie. with both saying the film isn’t a biopic.

Making the case for her significant impact on The King's life, the latter shared: “I spent four years and a half years of my life living with and deeply caring for Elvis on many levels.

"I shared a hospital room with him every time he was in hospital. I had my own bed next to his during those times.

"I travelled on every tour with him. I was the only woman to ever do so in this life. I was at every Las Vegas engagement during those years. I literally saved his life on several occasions.”

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