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Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s marriage might have only lasted six years, but their relationship stretched far beyond that time. The two were one of the most iconic celebrity couples, and Elvis never remarried once he and Priscilla split.

Though Priscilla might have lived a dream life on the outside, things weren’t going well for her behind the scenes. Elvis’ infidelity got the best of her, and she eventually decided to file for divorce.

Elvis and Priscilla Presley
Elvis and Priscilla Presley | Bettmann/Contributor

Priscilla was only 14 when she and Elvis met

Elvis and Priscilla were both living in Germany when they first crossed paths at a party. Priscilla’s father was in the military, as was Elvis, and she and Elvis started spending time together. Eventually, he moved back to the United States, and though her parents thought things would end, he continued to write her letters for two years.

Priscilla later moved in with Elvis, and though she was 10 years his junior, he reportedly liked that he could “train” her to be whoever he wanted. He refused to consummate the relationship before they wed, and finally, when Priscilla was 21, the two were married. Still, Elvis’ rock star reputation took a toll on the couple’s relationship, as he was often out performing while Priscilla was waiting for him at home.

Priscilla and Elvis Presley
Priscilla and Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor

Priscilla once spoke out about why she had to divorce Elvis

Elvis and Priscilla welcomed one daughter together, and though they were close as a couple, the infidelity started to get the best of Priscilla. Plus, Elvis reportedly no longer wanted to have sex with Priscilla once she had given birth.

Priscilla grew tired of Elvis’ control over her life. He never wanted to see her without makeup, and he didn’t let her do anything outside of his small social circle. Plus, the constant cheating was growing tiring, and eventually, she couldn’t take it.

“He wasn’t faithful,” she said in an interview with Sunday News in 2018. “I tried to turn my back to that, but I just didn’t want to share him … As much as he wanted to be married and have a family, I don’t know if he was ever cut to be married. Because I don’t think he could ever be faithful to one woman.”

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Priscilla was devastated when she learned Elvis had died

Despite that the two went through a divorce, they always remained close. “We never lost our friendship and care for each other,” Priscilla said. “He would call me at night.” Priscilla said that she valued those phone calls because it meant that Elvis still trusted her and that the two could still have a friendly relationship.

Elvis went on to date Ginger Alden, and he eventually proposed, though he died before the two were ever married. And everyone knew Priscilla was the only woman he truly loved. Priscilla was devastated when she heard the news.

“He can’t be, he can’t be — this is a joke,” Priscilla recalled of her reaction to Elvis’ death. Still, it was real, and Priscilla eventually got the idea to open Elvis’ estate to the public. Today, thousands of people flock to Graceland each year to visit and pay tribute to the King of Rock and Roll.