Gladys Presley, born Gladys Love Smith on April 25, 1912, in Pontotoc County, Mississippi, was one of nine children born to her mother, Octavia. Her childhood was marked by hardship, as her mother suffered from tuberculosis and was bedridden for much of Gladys's early years. Despite these challenges, Gladys developed a strong sense of resilience and determination that would shape her future.
In June 1933, Gladys married Vernon Presley, a young man from a neighboring town. The couple settled in Tupelo, Mississippi, where they welcomed their only child, Elvis Aaron Presley, on January 8, 1935. Gladys was a devoted mother to Elvis, doting on him and nurturing his early love of music.
Gladys's life was marked by both joy and tragedy. She had a family history of twins, and tragically, she gave birth to a stillborn identical twin of Elvis just thirty-five minutes before his birth. This heartbreaking loss deeply affected Gladys and shaped her relationship with Elvis in profound ways. Despite the pain of this loss, Gladys remained a loving and devoted mother to Elvis.
As Elvis's career began to soar, Gladys found herself struggling with depression and anxiety. The pressures of fame and the demands of Elvis's career took a toll on her mental health, and she turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Her struggles were exacerbated when Elvis was drafted into the army in 1958, leaving Gladys feeling lost and overwhelmed.
Gladys Presley passed away on August 14, 1958, at the age of 46, from a heart attack. Despite the challenges she faced in her life, Gladys's legacy lives on through her son, Elvis Presley, who went on to become one of the most iconic figures in American music history. Elvis's enduring legacy is a testament to the love and support that Gladys provided him during his formative years.
In 2022, Gladys's life was portrayed on the big screen in the biopic "Elvis," with actress Helen Thomson bringing her story to life. Gladys's impact on Elvis's life and career cannot be overstated, as she was the guiding force behind his early years and helped shape him into the legendary performer he became.