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Elvis Presley Was the Only Child of Vernon and Gladys Presley - Here Are 15 Quick Facts about His Parents

Bettina Dizon
Jan 24, 2020
11:56 A.M.

Elvis Presley is one of the most famous and legendary musicians in history, making both his parents extremely proud. Here's are fun facts about the Presley patriarch and matriarch.

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Elvis Presley, better known as "The King," had millions of fans adoring him even after his passing at a young age.

He was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley, both of whom he was close to and made them proud of his staggering success in the music industry. Here are 15 facts about his parents.

Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977) holding a 1965 Gibson EBS-1250 Double Bass. | Source: Getty Images

Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977) holding a 1965 Gibson EBS-1250 Double Bass. | Source: Getty Images

A YOUNG LOVE

Presley's parents fell in love at a young age and had to appear older to tie the knot. Vernon, who was 17-years-old lied about her age and gave it as 22, while Gladys, who was four years older, said he was 19.

The two eloped and on June 17, 1933, tied the knot in the Count of Pontoc, where Gladys was not known to anyone.

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FAMILY TIES

Initially, Vernon dated Glady's sister Clettes, while Gladys dated Veron's older brother Vester. The pair later switched and Clettes ended up marrying Vester.

Elvis Presley poses for a portrait with his parents Vernon and Gladys Presley in circa 1956. | Source: Getty Images

Elvis Presley poses for a portrait with his parents Vernon and Gladys Presley in circa 1956. | Source: Getty Images

MULTIPLE JOBS

Vernon had several jobs in his lifetime and grabbed the opportunity to make money, no matter what the task was.

He and Vester experienced farming together, raising cotton, soybeans, com, and hogs. He later worked with the WPA before becoming a delivery truck driver for McCarty's.

TWINS ON THE WAY

Gladys became pregnant in June 1934 and felt she had twins in the middle of her pregnancy. She had a big belly and felt she had a family history of having twins.

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Madame Tussauds Hollywood unveils its first-ever Elvis Presley wax figure. | Source: Getty Images

Madame Tussauds Hollywood unveils its first-ever Elvis Presley wax figure. | Source: Getty Images

WELCOMING ELVIS

On January 8, 1935, the couple welcomed Elvis Aaron Presley and, sadly, his stillborn identical twin, Jesse Garon. Elvis grew to become their only child.

NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE

Shortly after giving birth, Gladys was placed in a critical state, needing her and Elvis to be brought to Tupelo Hospital.

The experience made the new mom a little overprotective of her son, paranoid that something would happen, which her family and friends noticed.

Elvis Presley, on his first leave from the Army, escorts his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Presley. | Source: Getty Images

Elvis Presley, on his first leave from the Army, escorts his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Presley. | Source: Getty Images

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CRAFTED FROM THE HEART

Elvis was born in a place built by his father, Vester, and grandfather Jessie. The relatives' house was right beside theirs.

TROUBLE WITH THE LAW

Vernon, Gladys' brother Travis, and their friend Lether Gable were accused of forgery of a check that was altered.

Vernon sold Orville Bean a hog and was paid with a check that was less than the price of the purchase. In 1940, Vernon's sentence was suspended indefinitely.

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GLADYS' BIRTH

Gladys was born on April 25, 1912, as Gladys Smith in Pontotoc County, Mississippi, and lived until 46-years-old.

GLADYS' DEATH

Sadly, Gladys passed away shortly before the legendary singer was to leave for Germany on August 14, 1958.

DOLL SMITH

Gladys' mother, Doll Smith, died at a young age and was buried beside her husband, Bob. Gladys was then 23-years-old.

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HER REAL AGE

At the time of her death, newspapers printed Gladys' age to be 42, when in reality, she was 46 because of the lie she fabricated to conceal her being Vernon's senior.

TORNADO SURVIVORS

Presley and his mom experienced and survived the tornado on April 5, 1936, while Vernon was out of town for work. Luckily, the tornado did not damage their house.

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VERNON PRESLEY'S BIRTH

Vernon was born on April 10, 1916, as Vernon Elvis Presley. He grew up in is birthplace in Fulton, Mississippi. He passed away on June 26, 1979, in Memphis, Tennessee.

TELEVISION APPEARANCES

The Presley patriarch appeared on the television show "Hee Haw" in 1969, "Elvis on Tour," and "Elvis in Concert."

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