What did Elvis Presley and Caitlyn Jenner have in common? Meet Linda Thompson, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s girlfriend after Priscilla, who married the Kardashians star – but was left out of the biopic

Jul 22 , 2022

Linda Thompson dated Elvis Presley before she married Caitlyn Jenner. Photos: @ltlindathompson/Instagram, AFP

Now 72, Thompson often reflects back on her relationship with Presley, whom she met when she was in her 20s; she moved into Graceland with him within months

She married former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner, and they had sons Brandon and Brody – then Caitlyn married Kris Jenner, the mum of Kim, Khloé and Kourtney Kardashian, Kylie and Kendall Jenner

Linda Thompson is considered by many Elvis Presley fans to be the love of his life. Now 72, the blonde has been busy as an actress (doing mostly cameos) and singer, though she remains most famous for dating the rock legend.

The couple, who apparently started dating in 1972, had a whirlwind romance that caught the attention of millions. Not only because it came on the back of his split from Priscilla Presley, but because of how quick everything happened. Within months, they were living together and Thompson was present at every single one of his Las Vegas residency shows.

Linda Thompson dated Elvis Presley between 1972 and 1976. Photo: @ltlindathompson/Instagram

Here’s what you need to know about the former beauty queen who walked away from the love of her life, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself.

Post-Priscilla era

Elvis Presley and Linda Thompson dated for four years. Photo: @ltlindathompson/Instagram

Elvis and his reputation as a ladies man has been well documented. But after his marriage to Priscilla fell apart, he was linked to one woman who seemed to capture his heart – for four years.

Linda Thompson won Miss Tennessee Universe in 1972, which is the same group that runs Miss USA. Photo: @elvis_and_linda_gram/Instagram

In an interview on CNN, Thompson described how, while she was living in Memphis and having just won Miss Tennessee Universe in 1972, she was invited to a screening at the Memphian Theatre. Elvis was there and they immediately bonded as they were both Southerners. Thompson said she joked about his collar being up, apparently telling him “dressed a little like Dracula aren’t we?” The joke cemented their connection.