An Audience with Priscilla Presley

Priscilla Presley published her second memoir, Softly As I Leave You and came to Australia to speak about it with audiences in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

It was a great thrill and an honour to join her for two of her Australian tour dates. Starting in Brisbane at The QPAC Theatre she spoke about life after leaving Elvis, about their ongoing love and friendship, about the shock of his death and the challenges of raising their daughter in the public eye.

We were then back in Sydney for her final event at the beautiful State Theatre where we talked about almost every decade in her life. From the isolation of growing up a military child, to meeting Elvis, to marriage and motherhood, and her decision to separate. She also spoke beautifully and frankly about loss and the addiction that so many members of her family have grappled with.

Priscilla Presley has a kind of grit and grace I’ve rarely seen up close. She’s been the steward of Elvis’ legacy for decades, she saved Graceland and she’s worked endlessly to engage with Elvis fans (old and new).

Her memoir, Softly As I Leave You, is about how she has made the life for herself that she wanted, that has meaning for her. Thanks to Fane for inviting me to speak with Priscilla – it was a joyful honour to be part of these events and to talk with Priscilla about her life