Priscilla Presley shares her rock n’ roll fairytale with Chicago

Priscilla Presley swept into town recently and captured the hearts of all she met here in the Windy City. She came to Chicago for her one-woman show, “An Evening with Priscilla Presley,” where she shared memories of her life and Elvis at the Des Plaines Theatre but, thanks to her longtime friend, Jimmy Place, she got to experience so much more. (She also talks about her recent film, "Priscilla," in video interview at end of article, which opens Nov. 3.)

On Thursday, she was hosted at Conagra in the Merchandise Mart by Jon Harris, Sr. VP and Chief Communications Officer, following a dinner the night before at EJ’s Place in Skokie. The Conagra event included an hour-long Q&A that was zoomed out to all the Conagra employees followed by an intimate lunch in the office. Harris had arranged a surprise for Presley's recent birthday (May 24) and wheeled out a beautiful pink cake as the dozen or so invitees sang happy birthday.

That night, she experienced some hometown charm at a BBQ in the home of Place’s sister where she enjoyed some down time among a loving family. Friday, she was off to Teddie Kossof’s (impressive) Salon & Spa in Northfield (281 N. Waukegan Road) where she graciously signed autographs and took photos with excited fans. Her smile never faltered, nor her kindness, towards each and every guest – she and the King must’ve made a formidable pair to watch in action. He loved his audiences and I know she loves her fans. Later that night, she was hosted by Alex Dana at his Rosebud restaurant in Deerfield, and the next day, she returned to the Kossof Salon to greet more admirers.

On Sunday, the main event was held at the Des Plaines Theatre produced by Ron Onesti (Onesti Entertainment) who also served as the charming moderator during their 90-minute Q & A. She never failed to answer a question, even though some were quite personal. The audience loved her and shouted encouragement along the way, thanking her for her honesty and telling her they loved her. And she loved them right back. A VIP after-party was held in the Bourbon & Brass room where she greeted and thanked more fans.

The following are excerpts from her Q & A at the DesPlaines Theatre, and from an exclusive interview this reporter conducted for Chicago Star at the Teddie Kossof Salon over the weekend.

1. “If Elvis knew how many people came out today to hear his story/our story, he wouldn’t believe it because he honestly thought, when he passed, that everyone would forget about him so this warm reception brings tears to my eyes.”

2. “Elvis always wanted to do more serious movies, but the Colonel was always more focused on getting the money for the family.”

3. “I felt like Michael Jackson used my daughter to boost his flagging career. Lisa Marie never saw him and, usually, didn’t even know where he was.”

4. Elvis favorite song? “If I Could Dream,” because that’s exactly how he felt, he dreamed of a better world. He admired Martin Luther King and his mission. The song was written in one night.

5. About the supposed rift between her and her granddaughter Riley Keough. “All the things you read in the papers about my granddaughter Riley and me are a lie! We are very close.”

6. One of her favorite pieces of Elvis memorabilia that she owned was his ivory-handled walking stick. It was stolen by her houseman and his wife and taken to France. “I was duped by this couple. I had no idea they had a record, I got them from an agency.” (The cane has never been recovered but remains on the stolen art watch list).

7. On Graceland: “Lisa Marie [before she passed]owned 15% of it but we are welcome there anytime. I always feel his presence whenever I visit. It’s almost frightening, I get a chill, and love feeling close to him.”

8. Presley appeared in three Naked Gun movies with O.J. Simpson. Onesti asked, “Did he do it?” She replied, “I knew his wife Nicole and she did write a note saying, ‘if anything happens to me, OJ did it.’ So yes, I do believe that, absolutely. I knew him and saw his temper. In fact, I was dating a guy, Michael Edwards a while back, and he told me, since I was filming a movie with OJ, that he used to date Nicole’s sister. And one night at a party, he was talking to Nicole when OJ came up to him, lifted him off the floor by his neck, and said, “If you ever f-cking talk to Nicole again, I will kill you.”

      9. Elvis did not like the title "King." "He was very religious and spiritual and felt the only "king" was the Lord above. He slept with a Bible by his bedside."

     10. “He would come of the stage and ask us ‘how did I do?’ I mean this was ELVIS!”   

     11. “He was so professional and wanted to please people very, very much. He loved his audience, he loved what he did. I don’t think we’ll ever see that again. He had it all, he had the looks, he had the height, he had the sensitivity, he had the talent. He had it all. And yeah, he kissed good.”

As you can see, she was very open and honest. The Q&A at the Theatre was followed by more questions from the audience. She shared that “she didn’t think she would ever get over losing Elvis.” When they got a divorce, they left the courthouse holding hands with Elvis singing "I Will Always Love You."

During our interview (below) at the Kossof Salon, she was gracious and elegant, genteel one would say. We wish her well and can't wait until she returns to Chicago in December!