Yes, they were very different times. But while many things would immediately cause for arrest and disgrace in the modern-day, Elvis’ relationship with young teenager Priscilla Beaulieu still raised major concerns back in 1960. He was actually dating actress Lisa Woods at the time and when she discovered evidence Elvis was seeing Priscilla he begged her not to reveal the truth because it could destroy his life and career. Even so, Priscilla was effectively living with Elvis from 16, but she says his refusal to have sex was not based on her young age at all.
The couple met while Elvis was doing his military service in Germany and Priscilla says their relationship was physical from the start.
Priscilla said: “Elvis would take me into his bedroom and then we would kiss long, deep, passionate kisses and his caresses would leave me weak with desire.”
She was still 14 by the time he was discharged at the start of 1960. Two years later, he flew her to America at 16 and Priscilla says they shared a bed every night at Graceland.
In her book, Elvis and Me, Priscilla reaffirms she remained a virgin until they married when she was 21 – but reveals that it was not her choice.
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Finstad wrote: “In her book and in other public forums, Priscilla, perpetuating the myth, would say that her first night of marriage in the upstairs master bedroom of the Palm Springs house was the moment when she lost her virginity – conveniently overlooking her previous sexual relationships with … Tommy Stewart, Peter von Wechmar, Jamie Lindberg, and possibly Ron Tapp.”
Elvis was certainly away in Hollywood or performing in Las Vegas for much of their relationship. It is feasible Priscilla was also having affairs.
Although one major event supports the claim to virginity – or at least that Elvis and Priscilla had not had sex.
The couple married on May 1, 1967, at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas.
Extremely soon afterwards, Priscilla found out that she was pregnant. Surprisingly, it was not what she wanted at the time, worried that it could threaten the newfound intimacy and stability she had with Elvis. Lisa Marie was born nine months later on February 1, 1968.
Apparently, Priscilla had asked if she could take birth control pills, but Elvis had insisted they weren’t perfected yet. This certainly sounds like they had not been in a fully sexual relationship before that point.
Of course, Priscilla could have used various forms of birth control with other alleged lovers but it appears that with Elvis, the couple really did wait until they were married.