Introduction
Ann-Margret and Elvis Presley: A Love That Never Faded, Though She Chose Her Husband for Life
Ann-Margret, the Swedish-American actress best known for her role in Viva Las Vegas, once shared a passionate romance with the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. But what the public finds most admirable is not just the intensity of that love affair, but her unwavering devotion to her husband, Roger Smith, whom she was married to for 50 years until his passing in 2017.
A Love That Sparked on Set
In 1963, at just 22 years old, Ann-Margret met Elvis Presley during the filming of Viva Las Vegas. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and sparks flew instantly behind the scenes as well. In her memoir My Story, Ann wrote that her relationship with Elvis “seemed inevitable.” They were both emotionally vulnerable, impulsive, and self-destructive in different ways—yet deeply connected.
Their love wasn’t just a fleeting Hollywood fling. It was built on mutual trust, a rare bond. Elvis opened up to her in ways he hadn’t with anyone else. Many, including Ann herself, believed they were soulmates.
Torn Between Two Worlds
But destiny took another route. At the time, Elvis was engaged to Priscilla Presley and felt obligated to fulfill that promise. After more than a year of romance, Elvis ended things with Ann-Margret, while she also married Roger Smith—a man she said she knew she would marry by their third date.
Despite their breakup, Ann and Elvis remained close friends until his death in 1977. He famously sent her guitar-shaped flower bouquets for every opening night performance—a tradition that lasted a decade.
An Enduring Friendship, A Loyal Husband
Roger Smith wasn’t threatened by Ann’s relationship with Elvis. On the contrary, he respected their bond. He knew that Elvis had a special place in Ann’s heart, and he accepted it. Elvis would often visit her backstage or call her to express concern—especially during her recovery from a facial injury. Yet, Ann never betrayed her marriage vows. Even when Elvis once asked to see her alone, she declined.
Smith and Elvis even had friendly interactions. Ann once wrote that if it had been any other ex, her husband might not have been so understanding. But Elvis was different. “He was special,” she said.
Elvis—The Love That Wasn’t Meant to Be
Though they both went on to marry other people, it’s clear Ann-Margret always held Elvis close to her heart. The night before she learned of his death, she didn’t receive the usual bouquet from him. She instinctively knew something was wrong. The next day, she called Graceland and received the heartbreaking news.
Against the advice of others, she attended his funeral. Roger Smith stood by her side, as always.
“I will never recover from Elvis’s death,” she later admitted in her memoir. But she always refused to exploit their relationship for fame. She never revealed anything that would betray Elvis’s trust.
So, Who Did She Love More?
The question of whether Ann-Margret loved Elvis more than her husband doesn’t have a simple answer. She loved Elvis passionately, perhaps as a soulmate. But she loved Roger Smith faithfully, with stability and deep respect.
When once asked if Elvis was the love of her life, she hesitated and said, “I don’t want to hurt…” before finishing, “The man I married is the man I knew I would marry on the third date.”
Ann-Margret loved Elvis—deeply and sincerely. But she chose Roger Smith as her lifelong partner. And she honored that choice with grace, loyalty, and love until the very end.
Conclusion:
The story of Ann-Margret and Elvis Presley isn’t just about a famous Hollywood romance. It’s about the delicate balance between passion and commitment, between soulmate and spouse. While her heart may have once tilted toward Elvis, she gave her life to Roger Smith—proving that love comes in many forms, and sometimes, the greatest love is the one you choose to stay with.