Elvis Presley’s Family, Relationships, and Friends: Everything You Should Know

Elvis Presley, known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” reshaped popular music and culture. Born in 1935, he had strong connections with his family, valued his relationships, and cherished his friends. Family played a central role in his life, often saying, “Love me tender, love my family true.”

Family Life and Upbringing

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935, to Vernon and Gladys Presley. His early years were rooted in modest surroundings, and he endured the sadness of his identical twin brother, Jessie Garon, being stillborn.

He grew up as an only child. Elvis was close to his parents—his bond with his mother Gladys was especially strong. The family later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis’s love for music grew.

Elvis married Priscilla Presley on May 1, 1967, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They met in 1959 while Elvis was stationed in Germany during his military service. Priscilla was the only woman he married during his lifetime.

Together, they had one daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, who was born in 1968. Lisa Marie became a singer as well. Elvis had no adopted children; Lisa Marie was his only child. Priscilla worked as an actress and businesswoman.

Name	Relation	Birth Year
Vernon Presley	Father	1916
Gladys Presley	Mother	1912
Jessie Garon Presley	Brother (twin)	1935
Lisa Marie Presley	Daughter	1968
Priscilla Presley	Wife	1945

Relationships Beyond Family

Elvis Presley’s romantic relationships gained as much attention as his career. Before marrying Priscilla, he dated several women, often fellow performers or public figures. After divorcing Priscilla in 1973, he continued to be linked to various women.

One well-known relationship was with actress and singer Ann-Margret, whom he met on the set of Viva Las Vegas in 1963. Ann-Margret was a Swedish-American entertainer known for her music and acting. Their chemistry became clear both on and off the screen, but the relationship faded as he focused on his marriage.

Elvis’s relationships often ended due to the pressures of fame, travel, and public scrutiny. After his divorce, some relationships were brief, influenced by his demanding lifestyle and health struggles in his last years.

Name	Relationship Type	Time Period
Priscilla Presley	Ex-wife	1967–1973
Ann-Margret	Ex-girlfriend	Early 1960s

Friends and Companions

Elvis was known for keeping a tight-knit group known as the “Memphis Mafia.” These friends and associates spent years accompanying him on tour, in the studio, and at home. Many friendships started in Memphis, before and during his rise to fame.

Joe Esposito met Elvis during his military service in Germany and became one of his closest friends and road managers. Jerry Schilling, another lifelong friend, joined the group while in Memphis and worked as an aide. George Klein, a disc jockey, befriended Elvis in high school.

These friendships lasted through the ups and downs of Elvis’s career. The loyalty among this circle was well-known, and the group supported him through personal and professional challenges. Most friendships lasted until his passing in 1977.

Name	Known Since	Profession
Joe Esposito	Late 1950s	Road Manager
Jerry Schilling	Early 1960s	Aide/Producer
George Klein	1940s	Disc Jockey