If we can strip away the negative connotations, and then look at the consequences, theres a lot of truth to be uncovered, Hoedel says. ", WOULD ELVIS PRESLEY SURVIVE CANCEL CULTURE? A hint of air expelled from his nose. "Theres no specific negligence on anyones part and definitely no cover-up or conspiracy of a criminal act. But even more shocking and strange might be the sheer amount of activity undertaken by the King in the hours before he passed away. You'd have been out of there faster than a scratched cat. While many of Elvis' loyal fans refused the buy the biography upon its initial release in May 1977 in the UK and late July in the US the King's death soon thereafter, and the revelation that many of the book's stories were painfully accurate, turned it into one of the most successful Elvis books of all time. I was very fortunate [to have known him]. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Prior to his death, Presleywas visually no longer thehip-swayingElvis the Pelvis sex symbol. They really tried to push Elvis beyond his capacity in the last few years of his life. (Getty Images). "He was not only my patient, but a good friend," Henley later wrote in a book,via Express. According to LiveAbout.com, Elvis became dependent on several different types of prescription drugs, specifically amphetamines to keep him awake and barbiturates to help him sleep or relax. Legal Statement. The music icon passed away nearly 43 years ago, on Aug. 16, 1977, at age 42 from a heart attack, which doctors said was likely brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates. "People think: Oh, you're a star or you have money. ", What The Final 12 Months Of Elvis' Life Were Like, a 2019 interview with Elvis' Australian fan club. He was a very spiritual person, she explained. Priscilla pointed out that Elvis had written a note to friend and "Memphis Mafia" member Joe Esposito, which stated, "I'm sick and tired of my life. Presley knew there was something wrong with him. (Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage/Getty), SEAN ASTIN SAYS LATE MOTHER PATTY DUKES MENTAL ILLNESS LED HIM TO OFFER SUPPORT TO OTHER PEOPLE, Kirk claimed she tried to improve Presleys diet, but it didnt stick. While some have sought to portray the family as hillbillies, the author points out that inter-marriage was not at the time unusual across society. Instead of rushing an unconscious Elvis to a hospital, manager Tom Parker --- played by a surprisingly villainous Tom Hanks -- declares that the show must go on and summons Dr. But Tennant thinks Presley had all the symptoms of EDS, including an unusual degree of flexibility and double jointness that allowed him to swing his hips and gyrate wildly. "Its hard for us to imagine [that he was in physical pain] because he once appeared so perfect on the outside that he couldn't have been flawed on the inside," author Sally A. Hoedel told Fox News Digital. With Elvis' extraordinary pain and the fact that the pain was inside the eyeball, where the nerve fibers and blood vessels are located, the problem was extremely dangerous and could even threaten his eyesight. And then it became about his health He achieved the American dream, but he was also human. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images). ELVIS PRESLEY was just 42-years-old when he died, having physically transformed and suffered multiple illnesses and hospitalisations in his final years. "He was encouraged to cancel the tour. It never came to fruition. He turned to food for comfort and had gained a considerable amount of weight. Home Health News Elvis Presley health: The star was destined to die young full list of his health issues, We use your sign-up to provide content in ways youve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. She walked past the painting, and she took her little fingers and blew a kiss and said, I love you, daddy. I melted right away.. What about now? People assumed, Well, thats just an excuse to get medication. But he really was having this problem with fighting infection. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. He was not only my patient but a good friend., LIBERACE TOLD ELVIS PRESLEY HE NEEDED MORE GLITZ IN HIS SHOWS BEFORE LAS VEGAS TRANSFORMATION, BOOK CLAIMS, Elvis Presley in his final years. In addition to the head and heart problems, author Sally A Hoedel - lifelong Elvis fan, historian and journalism graduate - delved into his family history discovering more about his health. The knowledge and experience Tennant gained in the last 50 years led to his recent book, appropriately titled The Strange Medical Saga of Elvis Presley.. He was only honest with a few people about it. That always stayed with him. He is the director of the Center for the History of Medicine and the George E. Wantz Distinguished Professor of the History of Medicine at the University of Michigan and the author ofThe Secret of Life: Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, Francis Crick and the Discovery of DNAs Double Helix (W.W. Norton, September 21). While this is a cruel and derogatory way to describe someone dealing with personal health problems, it's undeniable that Elvis' eating and weight issues colored his last year on Earth. 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"We see that when he tours, he takes more medication than when hes not touring. This infamous sandwich would bemade with an entire stick of melted butter, as shown byMary Jenkins, former cook at Graceland, duringa 1987 appearance on "Letterman. Elvis actually died a death that is quite common, albeit an embarrassing one. The moment came toward the end of the night, just before his closing performance of "Can't Help Falling In Love With You." (Red had known the singer since the '50s.) ", Celeb obsessed? Elvis Presley skyrocketed to fame in the 1950s. If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The doctor remained by Elvis' side during his drug addiction and where there on the tragic day of his death and claims in an autopsy, stunned medics found a four-month-old stool blocking his gut. He would pass away that same year. Elvis Presley's Health and Legacy. A new book by Sally Hoedel argues that the singer was a sick man supporting his family and friends. His friends kept pimping him with pretty 17- and 18-year-old girls but he had nothing in common with them. By examining his flaws and health issues, maybe we can start to see his humanity again.. Sally A. Hoedel wrote a book about Elvis Presley's health history that was published in 2020 titled Elvis: Destined to Die Young. He knew he was not going to be able to perform like he wanted to., We shared many hours together, she continued. Vernon Presley and Elvis Presley on stage during a concert recorded on June 19, 1977, in Omaha, Nebraska. Five of those disease processes, she says, were present from birth. And that's something that people who have wealth or fame have difficulty getting into.". Elvis Presley died in 1977 aged just 42 and it's long been believed that an unhealthy lifestyle and drug abuse were key factors, but a new book instead points the finger at genetics. And driven to continue performing by Colonel Parker and others. As a young man embracing both a punishing work schedule and the stresses of newfound celebrity, Elvis was under a tremendous amount of pressure. Three of his uncles died of heart, kidney and liver issues in their 40a and early 50s. Eric Muirhead, Jerry Francisco, and Noel Florredo, conducted a two-hour post-mortem examination. "In 1956 they didn't understand that these pills could become addictive. They have families to look after. Indeed, the other two pathologists later admitted that Francisco was covering up the real cause of death at the request of Elviss mortified family who were concerned about the singers reputation. Presley was born inTupelo,Mississippi, on Jan.8, 1935, and died in Memphis, Tennessee, on Aug. 16, 1977. But in 1976, all three were fired to "cut back on expenses." . needs to stop or at least radically change. I gently raised one eyelid. If you're depressed,go see a therapistor check yourself into rehab if you need to. Early on, these were heavily pushed by his manager, the infamous "Colonel" Tom Parker, who many believe swindled the naive young Elvis while running him ragged. Elvis Presley performs in concert during his 'Aloha From Hawaii' 1972 television special. He explained: "The position of Elvis Presley's body was such that he was about to sit down on the commode when the seizure occurred. Either way, not only do BPD parents often. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. When critics and fans describe Elvis in his later years, one term used is "Fat Elvis." In 1981, Tennant was hired by an attorney for Dr. George Nichopoulos (Dr. Nick), who faced criminal charges in Presleys death. Manly adds the objectification of Elvis also played a role in this mistreatment: not only was he used as a "moneymaking machine" by power-hungry leadersin the industry, but he was also sexualized and reduced toan image by his youngfemalefans. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, It was clear that, from the moment he landed on the floor, Elvis hadnt moved.. I saw vulnerability. Hodel claimed that Presley continued to use medication to not only provide him relief but also to function. He wanted a companion, but it was difficult for someone of his stature.. LOS ANGELES - It has been widely reported that Elvis Presley died in 1977 from cardiac arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, possibly brought on by drug dependency, obesity and a weak heart. ", Review: Austin Butler rules as the King, butBaz Luhrmann's 'Elvis' is an unchained mess. But was the King simply ignoring his well-being, or was he having suicidal thoughts? Elvis shifted our universe culturally like no one has before and he deserves to be treated like an historical figure, like Henry Ford or Thomas Edison, but instead he gets weighed down by sensationalism, and that keep us from the truth, she says. Title track "Moody Blue" became Elvis' final Number One single; the song is in keeping with the pop music of the time, tinged with disco and exotica, but still showcases the warbling, lonely figure that the singer had become. In recent years, Hollywood has tried to spread awareness about thehuman aspects of celebrities. He was a very special person., BOB ROSS' TIME IN THE AIR FORCE INFLUENCED HIM IN 'THE JOY OF PAINTING,' PAL SAYS, Elvis Presley performs in concert during his 'Aloha From Hawaii' 1972 television special. ", Harry, Meghan, The Rock, Naomi Osaka: Why celebrity mental health struggles matter. Thus, he likely died of a massive heart. Legal Statement. We didnt have the empathy to talk about Elvis health problems then. Evidence from the official autopsy, medical professionals and Sallys book all point to the same thing, that Elvis had serious health issues long before his death in 1977. "In the last few years of his life, he was very aware of how ill he was," she said. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. He missed Priscilla. Two-year-old Elvis with his parents Vernon and Gladys Presley in 1937 in Tupelo, Mississippi. Kirk, her husband and their daughters soon found themselves living in Graceland. "A few speculated and began telling untruths regarding Elvis and me which were completely unwarranted, mean spirited and wrong.". He was trying to function within his reality., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. (R.D/Images Press/Getty Images), "Elvis story is long told as one of self-destruction," said Hoedel. Here's his response. 1996 - 2023 NewsHour Productions LLC. I think he was awake for three days. As a young man Elvis had been extremely fit, playing football and practicing martial arts. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. I ran upstairs, I go into the bathroom, and Elvis had fell over and was laying on the floor. (Getty Images). During the autopsy it became clear that Elvis did in fact have multiple heart problems, including a strained aorta and atherosclerosis. The autopsy showed that Elvis was massively obese, had extensive plaques in his arteries and had a very enlarged heart. Elvis Presley had multiple diseases. ", "We don't want celebrities to actually have that picture-perfect life. Elvis Presley's greatest songs: 20 essential cuts you need to hear now Review: The 10 best (and the absolute worst) Elvis movies, ranked Elvis' health problems, explained. ", Even Tish lives with pain surrounding Elvis' death, which she said came as "a complete shock" to her. In 2020, Glenn Danzig, heavy metal vocalist and frontman of horror-punk act The Misfits, released Danzig Sings Elvis, an album of Elvis covers. Elvis Presley performs during his second appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1956. The last decade of his life had seen his health take a dramatic nose dive. As detailed in the documentary Elvis Presley: The Last 24 Hours, Elvis' final day on earth included a nighttime trip to the dentist in search of prescription drugs, a 4 a.m. game of racquetball with his cousin Billy Smith, and an impromptu piano performance of classics including "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain." Elvis was a sick man who hid a lot of his weakness to fill concert venues and support his family. Elvis Presley skyrocketed to fame in the 1950s. As he had in recent gigs, Elvis appeared overweight and at times winded but was reported to have given a solid performance overall. The grave of singer Elvis Presley in Graceland. He was hospitalised again in 1975 with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a condition called megacolon, whereby the large intestine becomes distended and can allow toxins to flood the body. All rights reserved. It seems like his mother was extremely codependent on him, which more than likely had something to do with losing her other son. Elvis Presley with his girlfriend Ginger Alden in March 1977 in Hawaii. (Photo by Gary Null & Frank Carroll/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images). We don't know what their fears are, what their hopes are, what their dreams are, what their sadness is. The singers incredibly unhealthy diet consisting mostly of cheeseburgers and chronic constipation inevitably contributed to these problems. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. This was especially true during the last year of his life, when he was deep in his chemical dependency and had left behind many of the loyal friends of his youth. Today, Hoedel hopes her book will encourage readers to take a look at the "human" side of Presley, a figure who was put on a pedestal for his talent and then gawked at as he tumbled. At 10 years old, he placed fifth inthe 1945 Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show for a solo performance without musical accompaniment, saidbiography.com. More: Austin Butler's 'Elvis' acting lessons began when Tom Hanks delivered a typewriter to his door. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images). Hoedel claimed that those who knew Presley were worried about how much physical anguish and stress he was enduring to keep up with a non-stop schedule. He was a severely injured and ill man. Elvis' passing is often used as the archetypal rock star death a tragic accident caused by a poor health and drug use. 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