Here’s How Elvis Presley’s Famous Family Has Grown Up Under The Glare Of The Spotlight

Elvis Presley was one of those artists who defined a generation. His brand of rock 'n' roll music changed the industry forever back in the 1950s and '60s — and he was a massive star right up until the moment he died. But that meant that his family members have also grown up in the spotlight. And some of them have dealt with it better than others.

Elvis' mom

Elvis' mom and dad were Gladys and Vernon Presley, respectively. And Elvis formed a close relationship with his parents as a youngster. Growing up, his family rarely stayed in one place for too long, with his mom and dad trying to make ends meet. However, despite not being awash with money, Gladys was the one who treated her son to a guitar when he turned 11 in 1946.

Parental love

Of course, Gladys and Vernon Presley were intensely proud of their son. After Elvis tragically passed, his father gave a touching interview to Good Housekeeping. And Vernon revealed, “My love for my son began even before he was born on January 8, 1935. At that time, there was almost nobody poorer than my wife, Gladys, and me.” But they knew good times were coming.

A very special child

“We were thrilled and excited when we learned we were going to be parents,” Vernon continued. He explained that during Elvis’ early years, he became convinced his son was meant for great things. Vernon explained, “Certain things happened [that] convinced me... God had given my wife and me a very special child — for whom He had some very special plans.” And Elvis’ bond with his mother was also particularly strong.

A strong bond

“Elvis grew up very close to his mother. He used to call her by a pet name, ‘Baby,’” Vernon revealed. When Gladys died tragically young, Elvis also had an ornate grave marker created. And the design pointed to the roots of her side of the family — revealing something many fans may not know about the King’s heritage.