Introduction
At 84, Ann-Margret Finally Tells the Truth About Elvis Presley
At 84 years old, Ann-Margret — a timeless beauty and talent who has graced Hollywood for over six decades — has finally opened up to share the long-hidden truth about her relationship with Elvis Presley, a romance that once captivated the public and grew into legend.
Born in 1941 in Sweden and raised in the United States after immigrating with her mother at age five, Ann-Margret quickly showed a natural flair for performance. After studying at Northwestern University, she was discovered by George Burns and launched into stardom. Just a few years later, she became a household name with her role in Bye Bye Birdie (1963), followed by her electrifying performance opposite Elvis in Viva Las Vegas (1964).
It was during the filming of Viva Las Vegas that a deep and passionate connection blossomed between Ann-Margret and Elvis Presley — one that transcended the screen. Their relationship was not merely physical; it was built on mutual respect, shared passions, and a profound understanding of the pressures that came with fame. “He made me laugh like no one else. We danced together both on screen and in private,” she now recalls, her voice laced with affection and nostalgia.
Yet, their romance was ultimately not meant to last. Elvis was already committed to Priscilla Beaulieu, who would later become his wife. Though heartbroken, Ann-Margret accepted the reality with grace and never publicly spoke ill of Elvis — not during his life and not after his untimely death in 1977. In fact, Elvis continued to send her flowers every time she opened a new show in Las Vegas, always shaped like a guitar — a subtle but heartfelt gesture that some feelings never fade.
Ann-Margret was far more than just a chapter in Elvis’s life. She carved out her own legendary career, earning two Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe wins, and an Emmy. Beyond the spotlight, she enjoyed a 50-year marriage to actor-turned-manager Roger Smith — a rare love story in the often tumultuous world of Hollywood.
Now, with decades of perspective, Ann-Margret shares her story — not to stir controversy, but as a final love letter to the man she once loved deeply. “He was kind. He was funny. His soul was filled with both music and pain,” she says softly.
In her memories, Elvis lives on — not just as the King of Rock and Roll, but as the man who once danced with her under the quiet lights, laughed with her in private, and remained in her heart long after the music stopped.