Elvis Presley’s Family: A Tale of Tragedy, Step-Siblings, A stillbirth, and Illegitimate Claims
Not many music enthusiasts are aware that the legendary “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley, had a tumultuous family history filled with heartbreak, step-siblings, and even claims of an illegitimate half-sister. In this deep dive into Elvis’s family connections, we unveil some of the lesser-known aspects of his personal life.
Elvis’ Twin Brother: A Tragic Beginning
Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in a humble two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi, built by his father, Vernon Presley, and uncle. The Presley family consisted of Elvis’s parents, Gladys and Vernon. However, what many might not know is that Elvis had an identical twin brother named Jesse Garon, who was tragically stillborn.
The birth was a harrowing experience for Gladys, who was left close to death. Both she and Elvis were rushed to Tupelo Hospital, and following this traumatic event, the Presleys chose not to have any more children. Elvis’s middle name, “Aron,” was an interesting point of debate. While his state-issued birth certificate indicated this spelling, it was chosen to mirror the middle name of his stillborn twin, Jesse Garon.
Step-Siblings Enter the Picture
After the death of Elvis’s mother, Gladys, in 1958, his father, Vernon, remarried a woman named Davada “Dee” Stanley in 1960. This union introduced three stepbrothers into Elvis’s life – Bill, David, and Rick Stanley. Although Elvis was considerably older than the Stanley boys, he played a significant role as a father figure to them.
As time went on, Bill, David, and Rick Stanley became integral members of Elvis’s inner circle, often referred to as the “Memphis Mafia.” They served as aides and confidants to the music icon, witnessing his rise to superstardom and sharing his personal journey.
In 2016, David Stanley authored a memoir titled “My Brother Elvis: The Final Years,” offering readers an intimate look into his upbringing alongside Elvis, his role as the singer’s bodyguard, and, notably, shedding light on Elvis’s drug use and his tragic demise. Other books, such as “Elvis, We Love You Tender” and “The Elvis Encyclopedia,” have also delved into the enigmatic life of the rock and roll legend.
Illegitimate Claims and DNA Testing
Elvis Presley’s fame and mystique have attracted numerous individuals who claim some form of connection to him. However, one claim, in particular, caught the public’s attention. A woman named Eliza came forward asserting that she was the illegitimate child of Vernon Presley, making her Elvis’s half-sister.
Eliza’s claim was substantiated by DNA testing, which showed a kinship with one of Elvis’s paternal cousins. Additionally, her DNA was compared to a man who claimed to be Elvis himself, further indicating a half-sibling relationship. These findings prompted a Cleveland news station to conduct additional tests, which corroborated the initial results.
However, the case took a twist when evidence later emerged that disproved Eliza’s connection to the Presley family. The case was initially dismissed on jurisdictional grounds, but Eliza was exploring avenues to reopen it in the appropriate court.
