Read here about Gladys Presley: Wikipedia, Wiki, Cause of Death, Parents, Siblings, Age, Date of Birth and more details.
Gladys Presley: A Life Remembered
In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the multifaceted life of Gladys Presley, a woman whose significance goes beyond being an American actress – she was the cherished mother of the legendary Elvis Presley.
Gladys Presley Bio
Full Real Name: Gladys Love Smith
Nickname: Gladys
Date of Birth: April 25, 1912
Age at Death: 46 years
Profession: Actress
Place of Birth: Pontotoc County, Mississippi, USA
Death Place: Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA
Education: Graduate
School: Private School
University: Private University
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: White
Religion: Christianity
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Languages: English
Parents & Siblings
- Father’s Name: Robert Lee “Bob” Smith
- Mother’s Name: Octavia Luvenia “Doll” Mansell
- Siblings:
- Effie Smith (1904–1905)
- Lillian Smith Fortenberry (1906–1990)
- Lavell Linnie Smith Smith (1908–1979)
- Retha Smith Loyd (1909–1947)
- Travis James Woodrow Wilson Smith (1914–1973)
- Tracy D. Smith (1917–1966)
- Clettes Love Smith Presley (1919–1994)
- Johnny Lee Smith (1922–1968)
Marriage & Family
- Marital Status: Married
- Marriage Date: June 17, 1933
- Husband: Vernon Presley
- Children:
- Son: Jesse Garon Presley, Elvis Aaron Presley
- Daughter: None
- Grandchildren: Lisa Marie Presley
Death Details
- Death Date: August 14, 1958
- Age at Death: 46 years
- Cause of Death: Heart Attack
Gladys Presley Early Life and Background
Gladys Love Smith, born in Pontotoc County, Mississippi, was the daughter of Octavia Luvenia “Doll” Mansell and Robert Lee “Bob” Smith, a hardworking cotton farmer. Raised in a large family of nine siblings, Gladys witnessed both struggle and resilience. Her mother’s battle with tuberculosis and her father’s relentless efforts to provide for the family shaped Gladys’s understanding of life’s challenges.
Gladys Presley Misconceptions and Controversies
Gladys’s early marriage to Vernon Presley at the age of 21, though initially concealed, eventually became a subject of controversy. She deliberately misrepresented her age, stating she was 15 at the time, perhaps to maintain a certain image in the public eye. This choice fueled ongoing media interest in her life, even after her untimely death.
Gladys Presley Marriage and Family
Gladys’s union with Vernon Presley on June 17, 1933, marked the beginning of a complex yet enduring relationship. Despite facing hardships, including Vernon’s brief imprisonment in 1938, the couple welcomed their first child, Jesse Garon Presley, and a healthy baby boy, Elvis Aron Presley, on January 8, 1935. The family’s close bond remained intact even as Elvis achieved worldwide fame.
Gladys Presley Personal Struggles and Tragedy
Gladys’s life took a turn for the worse when Jesse Garon Presley tragically died at birth, leaving an indelible mark on her emotional well-being. Her struggles intensified as Elvis rose to stardom, leading to depression, alcoholism, and a diagnosis of hepatitis in 1958. The absence of her son due to military service exacerbated her mental health issues.
Gladys Presley Declining Health
As Gladys battled with hepatitis, her health deteriorated rapidly. Her husband Vernon returned to Memphis to care for her, and on August 14, 1958, she suffered a fatal heart attack at Graceland, the family home. This marked the end of Gladys Presley’s tumultuous journey.
Gladys Presley Legacy and Mourning
Elvis Presley, deeply affected by his mother’s death, experienced profound grief. The funeral, during which Elvis openly wept and shared heartfelt words at her graveside, was a poignant moment that resonated with fans. The impact of Gladys’s passing influenced Elvis’s subsequent lifestyle changes.
Gladys Presley Posthumous Facts and Trivia
Several interesting facts surround Gladys Presley’s life and legacy. Elvis’s emergency leave from the army just days before her death, the inscription on her gravestone, and a book titled “Elvis and Gladys” by Elaine Dundy contribute to the mystique surrounding this remarkable woman. Her burial at Graceland Mansion Estates ensures her continued connection with the Presley legacy.
Gladys Presley Social Media Accounts
Conclusion
Gladys Presley’s story is one of triumph, tragedy, and enduring love. As we reflect on her life, it becomes evident that Gladys played a pivotal role in shaping the Presley family’s narrative. Her journey, marked by personal struggles and unwavering support for her famous son, adds depth to the captivating tale of the Presley dynasty. The legacy she left behind continues to resonate through the ages, reminding us of the woman behind the legend.
FAQs
- What happened to Gladys Presley?
- Gladys Presley passed away on August 14, 1958, at the age of 46. She suffered a fatal heart attack at her home in Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee.
- How old was Gladys when she had Elvis?
- Gladys Presley was 21 years old when she gave birth to Elvis Presley on January 8, 1935.
- What did Elvis’s mom call him?
- Elvis’s mom, Gladys Presley, had a pet name for him. Elvis was affectionately called “Doodlum” by his mother.
- What nationality is Gladys Presley?
- Gladys Presley was American.
- What did Gladys Presley die from?
- Gladys Presley died from a heart attack on August 14, 1958, at the age of 46.