Elvis’s Devastating Loss Of His Mother
Elvis had been very close to his mother, Gladys, since childhood. Even after he grew up and achieved celebrity status, he continued to use baby talk and special pet names with her. This was another reason his peers bullied him so harshly in his youth.
In 1958, Gladys was diagnosed with a fulminant case of hepatitis that claimed her life at only 46 years old. Elvis was granted leave from his military service to visit her. He stayed at her side during the final two days of her life and was devastated when she passed away.