Those who closely followed the romance between Elvis and Priscilla Presley likely already understand why this particular date holds such a meaningful place in their shared history.
It was on October 9, 1973, that the couple officially finalized their divorce. From that point forward, they navigated co-parenting together until Elvis passed away at the age of 42 on August 16, 1977.
Priscilla, also known as Beaulieus, first crossed paths with Elvis back in 1959, when she was just 14 years old. Their meeting took place in Germany, where Elvis was stationed during his time serving in the army abroad. The American singer and actor felt an immediate attraction to Priscilla, and what followed were years of effort to secure the reluctant blessings of their parents — no small feat given the 10-year age gap between them. Their persistence paid off when Elvis and Priscilla finally tied the knot on May 1, 1967, in Las Vegas. Yet their marriage would last only 6 years before Elvis and Priscilla Presley divorced.
The split didn't come as a surprise to many. In fact, the couple had already undergone a trial separation while Priscilla was in her seventh month of pregnancy. They reconciled for a brief time following the birth of their daughter Lisa Marie, but the marriage continued to struggle. Priscilla accused Elvis of not wanting to make love to her, and the relationship remained deeply troubled.
The union between Elvis and Priscilla stands as one of those celebrity marriages marred by discord and infidelity. While married to Priscilla, Elvis carried on affairs with other women. Priscilla, for her part, was also unfaithful throughout the marriage, having affairs with her karate instructor and dance studio's owner. This tumultuous chapter in their lives moved the King of Rock N' Roll to pour his emotions into the song "Separate Ways." A single Elvis released in 1972, the track captured the toll the divorce took on their young daughter. On the B-side of "Separate Ways" sat another deeply emotional hit: "Always on My Mind."