Elvis ex Linda Thompson honours ‘vulnerable’ King ahead of an incredible first

From 1972-76, one of Elvis Presley’s last major girlfriends was Linda Thompson.

The then 22-year-old Miss Tennessee model lived with the 37-year-old King at Graceland for that four-and-a-half-year period and she continues to pay tribute to him to this day.

In a new Instagram post, the 73-year-old wrote: “Flashback Friday to a plethora of memories that I will be sharing with friends and fans in Memphis during Elvis Week August 10-16. This is the 46th year commemorating Elvis’s tragic passing, and is the first time I will have been back as a guest of Graceland & EPE.

“It will be my honor to remember with reverence, dignity & humility the man who changed my life forever. Elvis was an icon…an innovator & a true original.

“He is a long-lasting legend. But most of all, he was paradoxically complicated in his childlike simplicity…a loving, vulnerable human being.”

Linda has visited Graceland over the last 50 years since she dated Elvis, but this will be the first time she’s officially been a guest of the estate and Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Upon her last visit, she wrote on social media: “I took a walk down memory lane today at my former home, where I lived for 4 1/2 years – Graceland in Memphis. I also revisited the airplanes that I flew on to countless concerts all around the country with the greatest entertainer who ever lived, Elvis Presley. It’s surreal to remember decorating with him the legendary jungle room, stained glass peacocks in the living/music room, the fabric covered pool room, TV room & other areas – as well as the Lisa Marie airplane.

“I went through Memphis on my way to the Tupelo Elvis festival where I am their special guest & a judge for the ETA contest. The Elvis Tribute Artists have their own acronym! It is staggering to realize the legacy Elvis left behind. Truly amazing! I will always be grateful for the rarified honor of having been so close on such a deeply personal level to such a true icon – and for having been loved by him.”

As mentioned, Linda will be one of the special guests taking part in Elvis Week 2023. On August 11 and 14, she’ll be giving a sold-out 10pm tour of the Graceland Mansion for $1,100 per person.

Then on August 15, The King’s ex will take part in Conversations on Elvis, sharing stories and memories of the star who died in 1977 aged 42.

Fans can book in-person and virtual tickets for Elvis Week 2023 here.