Is it time to cancel overrated Elvis? Presley claimed him and the underage Priscilla weren't sexually involved until she was of age. He claimed they only dated and she lost her virginity on their wedding night. When they started dating he was 24 and she was 14.
Elvis Felt Pressured to Marry Priscilla and 'Trained' Her to Become His Perfect Wife
Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu Presley first met when he was 24 and she was 14. Their age difference wasn’t a problem for Elvis, who thought he could mold Priscilla into his ideal woman. Going along with how Elvis wanted to shape her was at first acceptable to Priscilla. But as she grew older she began to seek more control over her own life, which was something their relationship couldn’t survive.
Elvis and Priscilla met when she was in the ninth grade
Elvis was stationed in West Germany during his stint in the U.S. Army. In 1959 Priscilla arrived in the country due to the Air Force transferring her father there. While she was out with her younger brother, a service member approached Priscilla and asked if she'd like to accompany him and his wife to meet Elvis. Her father, after checking in with the man's commanding officer, gave his approval for a visit.
On a November night in 1959, Priscilla, wearing a navy-and-white sailor dress, traveled to Elvis' temporary home in Bad Nauheim. She immediately captured the star's attention, even when she admitted she was a ninth-grader. He played several songs to impress her, including "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" But when she left that night, she assumed the evening wasn't going to be repeated.
The singer liked that Priscilla was young and inexperienced
Elvis saw a resemblance between Priscilla and his recently deceased, and much lamented, mother, Gladys. He also told his friend Rex Mansfield that Priscilla was "young enough that I can train her any way I want." Elvis wanted Priscilla to visit again. The second time they met, he invited her to his room, where they kissed.
After Priscilla had been on four "dates" with Elvis, her parents said an in-person meeting was necessary. When it took place, Priscilla's father asked why a star was interested in his teenage daughter. Elvis responded, "Well, sir, I happen to be very fond of her. She’s a lot more mature than her age and I enjoy her company." The Beaulieus were charmed enough to allow Priscilla to keep seeing Elvis.
Elvis Felt Pressured to Marry Priscilla and 'Trained' Her to Become His Perfect Wife