Priscilla Presley announces new memoir reflecting on life after split from Elvis: 'Have always loved him'

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Priscilla Presley is stepping into a new chapter with her upcoming memoir, 'Softly, As I Leave You: Life after Elvis'.

The book will take readers through her deeply personal story after her separation from Elvis Presley, whom she was married to from 1967 to 1973.

Scheduled for release on September 23, the memoir will trace her emotional journey of self-discovery in the years after their breakup and throughout the decades following his death in 1977.

Priscilla Presley opens up about life after Elvis Presley in new memoir

The memoir, co-written with Mary Jane Ross, tells the story of what Priscilla Presley “lost and what she found” as she built her life after leaving the world of Elvis, "the man she loved," the synopsis of the book reads.

The book explores their relationship beyond marriage, including a “touching and tender dynamic” after their divorce.

“This book covers eight decades of my life,” Priscilla told People. “Writing it has been a learning experience on many levels."

"I have reflected deeply both on myself and on those I love. I have always loved and admired Elvis, but the more than four decades of living without him have taught me how rare and extraordinary he was as a human being," she added further.

Priscilla Presley’s memoir details navigating loss, parenting and public attention 

The book also reflects on her reinvention as a single mother, raising her daughter Lisa Marie Presley and later her son Navarone Garcia, whom she had with music producer Marco Garibaldi in 1987.

It details how she found her identity and purpose while navigating loss, parenting, and public attention.

“During her 10 years with Elvis, it became painfully apparent that she had no idea who she was outside Elvis’ world,” the book’s synopsis reads.

“The only way to find herself was to leave that world and seek a new life of her own, because leaving was the only way to survive, for herself and for her daughter.”

Beyond her role as a mother, Priscilla's memoir sheds light on her career as a designer, actress, and legislative advocate.

It includes her work on 'Dallas', 'The Naked Gun' films, and the business side of preserving Elvis' legacy through Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Priscilla Presley opens up about 'shattering loss' of family members

The book will also address painful chapters, including the “unexpected, shattering loss of three immediate family members,” and how she found strength through grief.

“Reliving the trauma in my life has also been challenging,” Priscilla shared with People.

“I live with grief, and I have learned that it never goes away. I will never outlive it, but I move through it one day at a time," she said.

"I carry every one of the people I have lost with me. I feel their presence, and I believe that my journey will eventually bring us back to one another," she added.

According to the synopsis, “She shares her journey with a quiet dignity that will comfort and reassure anyone who has suffered, and survived, seemingly unbearable loss.”

The book is described as “a passionate, compassionate and inspiring story of finding your place in the world,” and “a sweet Southern melody that will take the reader with Priscilla on her long road home.”

'Softly, As I Leave You: Life after Elvis' is available for preorder now and will be published on September 23 by Grand Central Publishing.