Elvis Presley’s died of a heart attack in 1977, but explosive claims by his ex-wife Priscilla imply the King of Rock killed himself on purpose.
The Mirror reports that in the upcoming HBO documentary Elvis Presley: The Searcher, Priscilla explains that despite dying of a drug-related heart attack, Elvis had wanted to end his own life. His ex-wife said that Elvis “knew what he was doing” and that he knew drug-use would one day kill him.
The 72-year-old also denies claims she and Elvis’ loved ones did nothing to help him.
“He knew what he was doing and people go, ‘Why didn’t anyone do anything?’ Well that’s not true,” The Mirror reports her saying in the documentary.
“People there in the inner group did – but you did not tell Elvis what to do. You’d have been out of there faster than a scratched cat. They would try and – no way.”
Family members claim that Elvis intended to take his own life by overdosing on a large number of prescription painkillers. There are even claims that Elvis left a suicide note.
Obtained by Radar Online, one suicide note was allegedly written in January of 1977 – just seven months before Elvis was found dead in his bathroom at Graceland.
“I need a long rest,” the note read. “I’m sick and tired of my life”.
His stepbrother Rick Stanley believes the note is genuine.
HBO’s official synopsis doesn’t reveal any details about Elvis’ death, but instead, promises to give fans more details about his life and rise to fame.
“Elvis Presley: The Searcher includes stunning atmospheric shots taken inside Graceland, Elvis’ iconic home, and features more than 20 new, primary source interviews with session players, producers, engineers, directors and other artists who knew him or who were profoundly influenced by him,” the network says.
Read more: ‘You’re a young Elvis Presley’: Lookalike wows American Idol judges
“It also features never-before-seen photos and footage from private collections worldwide, and an original score by Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready.”
HBO does confirm that Priscilla offers personal insights for the documentary, with further comment from Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris and Robbie Robertson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qULBo4iPV8M
It’s not the first time Priscilla has spoken about life with Elvis. Earlier this year, Priscilla appeared on an episode of Sunday Night, where she explained why her marriage to Elvis ended.
“It was the lifestyle. I couldn’t keep up, it was hard keeping up and I had a daughter,” she said.
The actress also noted that Elvis’ cheating was another contributing factor.
“He wasn’t faithful, not that he had someone special, but when you’re in the entertainment business there is always that and I tried to turn my back to that, but I just didn’t want to share him. Simple as that.”
If you need to talk, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14. Help is also available at beyondblue.org.au.