For decades, whispers of a passionate and complicated romance between Elvis Presley—the King of Rock and Roll—and Ann-Margret, the fiery Swedish-American starlet, have fascinated fans, journalists, and Hollywood historians alike. Their connection was undeniable on screen, and as the years passed, rumors of what happened behind the scenes only grew louder.
Now, at 84, Ann-Margret has chosen to open up about her memories of Elvis and their bond, providing a rare glimpse into a love story that has long been shrouded in mystery. Her reflections not only reignite interest in their relationship but also shed light on the challenges of fame, loyalty, and heartbreak that defined their lives.
This is not just a story about two celebrities—it is about love in the spotlight, the pressures of stardom, and the kind of bond that transcends time.
The Meeting of Two Icons
Ann-Margret Olsson, born in Sweden and raised in Illinois, was a rising star in the early 1960s. Her dazzling stage presence, high-energy performances, and striking resemblance to Elvis’s own musical charisma earned her the nickname “the female Elvis.” By her early twenties, she had already carved out a reputation in Hollywood as both a gifted singer and a promising actress.
In 1963, she was cast opposite Elvis Presley in the film Viva Las Vegas. For MGM Studios, the pairing was a stroke of marketing genius—two of the most magnetic performers of their generation brought together in one production. But what unfolded on the set of that film went beyond professional chemistry.
From the moment Elvis and Ann-Margret met, the connection was instantaneous. Ann-Margret would later describe it as “like a bolt of electricity.” Their playful exchanges, flirtation, and genuine warmth toward each other were so strong that audiences could feel it radiating off the screen. To this day, Viva Las Vegas is remembered not only as one of Elvis’s most successful films but also as the cinematic proof of their undeniable bond.
Behind the Scenes: A Secret Romance
While their onscreen chemistry was clear, what captivated the world more was what happened away from the cameras.
They spent long evenings together after filming, riding motorcycles in the desert, laughing freely, and sharing the kinds of conversations that only two people who understood the isolating weight of fame could have. Elvis was no longer just the King of Rock and Roll to Ann-Margret—he was a vulnerable man who longed for companionship.
“Elvis brought out the boy in me,” she later recalled. To him, Ann-Margret was not just another Hollywood co-star—she was someone who understood the loneliness that came with living life under a microscope.
Their relationship was deeply emotional. Elvis confided his insecurities, his exhaustion from constant touring, and his fears about being trapped by his fame. Ann-Margret, in turn, offered empathy and understanding, giving him the rare chance to let his guard down.
But their bond was also complicated. Elvis was in a relationship with Priscilla Beaulieu, the young woman who had moved into Graceland under his family’s watchful eyes and who was expected to eventually become his wife. Meanwhile, Ann-Margret’s every move was scrutinized by Hollywood studios eager to protect her reputation. The risks of being discovered were immense, yet the pull between them was undeniable.
The Cost of Love in the Spotlight
Those close to Elvis and Ann-Margret knew the truth—this was not a casual fling. Their stolen moments together were deeply meaningful, but the relationship existed in the shadows.
They shared hotel rooms when they could, drove through the neon-lit nights of Las Vegas, and exchanged secret phone calls when separated by work. Friends of Elvis often noted that he seemed happier, lighter, and freer in her presence.
Yet the consequences of their romance rippled outward. For Priscilla Presley, the rumors were painful. Barely out of her teens, she felt her bond with Elvis weakening as headlines and gossip about his closeness with Ann-Margret spread. Letters discovered, whispers from his entourage, and even the sparkle in his eyes when he spoke of Ann-Margret left her feeling increasingly insecure.
Ann-Margret herself carried the weight of guilt. She respected Priscilla and never intended to replace her, but she could not deny the depth of her feelings for Elvis. “His heart was divided,” Ann-Margret would later admit. And that division, she added, left emotional scars that lasted for decades.
A Love That Endured Beyond Romance
Though their romantic relationship eventually cooled, Ann-Margret insists that what they shared transcended passion.
“It was deeper than attraction,” she explained in later interviews. “It was a bond of understanding.”
Even after the affair ended, their friendship remained strong. They continued to exchange phone calls, letters, and occasional visits. Ann-Margret never spoke publicly about their connection during Elvis’s lifetime, protecting his privacy with fierce loyalty. For her, their relationship was something sacred.
Members of Elvis’s entourage often resented her influence, fearing that she had a unique hold over him. Yet even they admitted that Elvis seemed more at ease when she was around. Ann-Margret, for her part, never sought to capitalize on the relationship. She refused to sell her story, choosing instead to carry the memories privately.
Diverging Paths
The late 1960s and 1970s saw Elvis and Ann-Margret take different paths, both personally and professionally.
Ann-Margret’s career flourished as she reinvented herself. No longer just a glamorous co-star, she proved her talent in dramatic roles, earning critical acclaim and even Academy Award nominations. Her electrifying stage performances cemented her as one of the most dynamic entertainers of her era.
But life was not without hardship. A near-fatal accident in 1972 left her gravely injured, testing her resilience. She also faced personal struggles, but through it all, she emerged stronger, her career continuing to thrive.
Elvis, on the other hand, faced mounting challenges. His 1968 comeback special revitalized his career, reminding the world of his unmatched charisma. Yet behind the spotlight, life was turbulent. Endless touring, financial pressures, and the isolating bubble of fame wore him down. Increasing dependence on prescription medications began to take a toll on his health and spirit.
Despite the distance between them, Ann-Margret never stopped caring. Whenever they crossed paths, she saw the weariness in his eyes. Friends recall that she often spoke of Elvis with a quiet sadness, wishing she could help but knowing that his life was controlled by forces beyond her reach.
Tragedy and a Private Goodbye
By the mid-1970s, the Elvis Presley that Ann-Margret had once known—the vibrant, playful man who brought joy into every room—was fading. His health declined, and though he continued to perform, the spark was dimmed.
On August 16, 1977, the world received the devastating news of Elvis Presley’s death at just 42 years old. For millions of fans, it was the end of an era. For Ann-Margret, it was the loss of someone she had loved deeply and privately.
She attended his funeral in Memphis, keeping a low profile, away from the press. Her grief was not for the cameras but for herself—the grief of someone who had shared a unique bond with a man the world called a legend but whom she had known simply as Elvis.
Ann-Margret Today: A Legacy of Love and Loyalty
Even decades later, Ann-Margret has remained protective of her memories with Elvis. She has never exploited their relationship for fame or profit, a testament to the respect and love she still holds for him.
Now, at 84, she has begun to reflect more openly on their time together, offering glimpses into the depth of their connection. Her words remind fans that Elvis was more than a cultural phenomenon—he was a man capable of deep love and vulnerability.
Their story is not just about romance but about loyalty, friendship, and the shared struggles of two people who lived under extraordinary pressures.
For fans of Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, the revelation of their bond is not a scandal but a poignant reminder of the humanity behind the legend.
Conclusion: A Love That Outlived Time
The story of Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret is not one of simple passion or fleeting attraction. It is a story of two stars whose lives briefly but profoundly intertwined, leaving an imprint that neither time nor fame could erase.
Ann-Margret’s reflections remind us that behind every legend is a human being—one capable of love, longing, and heartbreak. For Elvis, Ann-Margret was more than a co-star. She was someone who understood him, supported him, and stood by him in ways the world will never fully comprehend.
More than 60 years after they first met, their story continues to captivate because it speaks to something universal: the search for understanding, the pull of true connection, and the bittersweet reality that love is sometimes strongest when it must remain in the shadows.
