Elvis Presley never officially fired Colonel Tom Parker because Parker had maneuvered himself into such a financially controlling position that firing him would have meant losing most of his wealth, but Elvis did attempt to fire him, and the relationship deteriorated due to the Colonel's exploitative contracts, lack of international touring, and focus on lucrative Vegas shows, leading to deep resentment over Parker's 50% commission and control over Elvis's career.
Elvis Presley's longtime manager was Colonel Tom Parker, who helped the rock 'n' roll singer build his massively successful career. For all the highs of their partnership, Presley and Parker abruptly parted ways in 1973 after Elvis delivered a profanity-laced tirade onstage.
Did Elvis actually fire the colonel from the stage in Las Vegas? “No, he never would have done that,” Nash says. Nor did he ever suggest onstage that he knew of the colonel's immigration issues.
Dolly Parton said no to Elvis Presley recording "I Will Always Love You" because his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, demanded half of the publishing rights, which Parton refused to give up, as she wanted to keep ownership and the future earnings for her family. Despite her heartbreak at the missed opportunity, she held firm to her business principle, understanding that retaining the copyright was crucial for her financial security and legacy, a decision that paid off immensely after Whitney Houston's cover became a global phenomenon.
When Elvis was making films in Hollywood, one newspaper contocted a story that he had long talks with Jesse, which really hurt Elvis. Yet close friends and Priscilla have said he never talked about his brother. Ever. Yet only Larry Geller really got Elvis to open up and talk about his twin brother.
Elvis was actually born 35 minutes after his identical twin brother, Jesse Garon. Jesse Garon, however, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child.
When Elvis died, Frank Sinatra honored him as a "wonderful fellow," a "gentle, good man," and a generous friend, acknowledging his immense contribution to American music and his kindness to children's hospitals, despite their earlier artistic differences. Sinatra's comments, made in a 1977 performance, highlighted Elvis's graciousness and impact, showing a personal respect for the man behind the legend.
For months, Elvis had suffered from severe constipation 🚫💩 — some reports say he hadn't had a proper bowel movement in over four months. This intense strain, combined with long-term prescription drug abuse 💊 (painkillers, sedatives, and more), took a devastating toll on his body.
Presley had a secret affair with actress Barbara Leigh for two years. “I never believed that I was the only girlfriend,” Leigh said in 2023. “I accepted Elvis for the time we spent together. I was lucky enough to share with him and I never asked him any questions, and he did likewise.”
Elvis Presley wiggled because his strong connection to the music naturally made him move his hips and legs, influenced by gospel and blues, combined with stage fright that he channeled into his movements, and amplified by the overwhelmingly positive, screaming reaction from his young female fans. He initially didn't intend it but leaned into it as audiences clearly desired the "sexual" and "primitive" display, making it his iconic, rebellious signature style.
How Much Money Did Priscilla Presley Get in Her Divorce From Elvis Presley? After her 1973 divorce from Elvis, Priscilla received a one-time payment of $725,000 and five percent of Elvis' royalties. She also received spousal support and child support for their late daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.
"I never met him," Nelson revealed, though he did point out that Presley had previously recorded one of his songs, "Funny How Time Slips Away." And, Presley even used to send Nelson a Christmas card every year. "But I never met him," he insisted of the late music icon, who died at the age of 42 in August 1977.
Just before the lights rose for his final show, Elvis leaned close to Priscilla and whispered three words the world never heard — until now. “It's still me, baby.” Decades later, Priscilla reveals the haunting truth behind that moment… and what the King was really saying as he took his last bow.
Presley had expressed interest in trying acting before finding success as a singer and quickly merged both career paths, acting in over thirty feature films. During his stint in Hollywood, the pair crossed paths while Eastwood was filming Rawhide and Presley was working his way through a streak of 1960s rom-coms.
On Jan. 18, 1996, Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce from Michael Jackson after less than two years of marriage.
The concept of autoimmunity was just starting to be understood. Much to his credit, Dr. Nick gave Elvis the diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome, and believed his headaches were a result of his head injury of 1967 (outlined later).
Dolly Parton refused to let Elvis Presley record her song, "I Will Always Love You," because his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, demanded half the publishing rights, which Parton would not give up, believing the song was her most important copyright and retirement fund. Although Elvis loved the song and sang it to Priscilla Presley after their divorce, the deal fell through due to Parker's insistence on the publishing cut, a decision Parton later recognized as prescient when Whitney Houston made the song a global phenomenon.
Fun Fact: Oprah Winfrey and Elvis Presley are distant cousins. Oprah's grandmother's last name is Presley.
After that, he was on his own. Elvis was given 1 option as an adult in the 70s-a colostomy bag to which he said hell no to.
It was so indulgent it became part of his public image—decadent, Southern, over-the-top. But his last meal was quiet. A bowl of ice cream. Some cookies.
Although he was aware of the problem in the early 1970s, Elvis was reluctant to undergo a colostomy, which involves removing part of the colon. "He thought he was really a man's man. ... He thought that this was a sign of weakness, and he wasn't going to be weak," Nichopoulos said.
“Elvis died when he went into the army,” John Lennon once said. “That's when they killed him. That's when they castrated him.” His words sounded cruel on the surface, but they came from a place of sorrow. John wasn't mocking Elvis—he was grieving the loss of the raw freedom and fire that had once lit up the world.
Frank Sinatra didn't attend Dean Martin's funeral in 1995 primarily due to being overwhelmed with grief and his own frail health, coupled with concerns about the massive media presence and wanting to avoid a scene, though he was represented by his wife Barbara and made a discreet appearance at a later memorial service, expressing his deep sorrow privately and through a characteristic tribute.
Elvis announced to the crowd that Roy Orbison was “quite simply, the greatest singer in the world.” The remark was probably born more in his admiration for Roy than reality.