Linda Thompson and Her Deep Bond with Elvis Presley. Linda Thompson, former Miss Tennessee and longtime girlfriend of Elvis Presley during the 1970s, recently reflected on their powerful relationship. Both born in Memphis, Linda idolized Elvis as a child—later meeting him shortly after his divorce from Priscilla Presley. Their romantic connection began quickly, and Linda soon moved into Graceland.
She described their relationship as deep and multidimensional: lovers, best friends, and emotional anchors for one another. However, Linda also witnessed Elvis’s growing struggles with health and addiction. She often stayed up at night watching over him, drained by the emotional toll of his dependence on prescription drugs.
Despite sharing unforgettable moments—like his historic 1973 Aloha from Hawaii concert—Linda made the painful decision to leave in 1975, overwhelmed by concern and exhaustion. They remained in touch until Elvis’s death in 1977. Days before he died, she tried calling to check on him, sending her love through a friend.

After Elvis’s passing, Linda built a successful career in songwriting, contributing to The Bodyguard soundtrack and TV shows.

She later married Bruce (now Caitlyn) Jenner and had two sons, then married music producer David Foster. Though her life moved on, Linda continues to honor Elvis’s memory.
A recently discovered recording of Elvis and Linda singing Your Life Has Just Begun offers a rare glimpse into their private connection—reminding fans of the man behind the music. Linda’s story reveals a personal side of Elvis that few knew, ensuring his legacy lives on not just as a music icon, but as a deeply human soul.