"If Dr. Forrest Torrent is right, there simply wasnt a proper understanding back then in determining what really killed the King of Rock & Roll. Mystery has long surrounded the death of Elvis Presley after his family sealed the results of his autopsy for 50 years. Presley had recorded tracks at home in Palm Springs in 1973 to great success, and said that he enjoyed being in a room with his fellow musicians to feed off their emotions so why not set up a mobile studio in Graceland? They have families to look after. He would pass away that same year. Sure, Elvis will always be remembered for "Jailhouse Rock" and "Can't Help Falling In Love With You", but these final tracks are a testament that even lonely, depressive Elvis had a message that would resonate with audiences for years to come. These interviews provided us with an extraordinary opportunity to learn about Elvis' health, personal life and legacy. During the autopsy it became clear that Elvis did in fact have multiple heart problems, including a strained aorta and atherosclerosis. One of these problems was Elvis megacolon. Once he strayed from his picture-perfect, seductiveimage, someridiculed and discardedhim. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. It was a time when Presleys daughter Lisa Marie Presley, as a child, came to visit Graceland. This statement was subsequently demonstrated not to be the case. After the final recording session in October of '76, RCA set to work cobbling the tracks together into what would be Elvis' final records a fact none of them knew, but which the pained music seems to foreshadow in hindsight. But according to the book The Mysteries Surrounding the Death of Elvis Presley, even worse was in Baton Rouge, where Elvis had to cancel a show because he couldn't make it out of his hotel bed in order to get to the venue. In 1981, Tennant was hired by an attorney for Dr. George Nichopoulos (Dr. Nick), who faced criminal charges in Presleys death. He was often getting fevers and flu-type symptoms. (R.D/Images Press/Getty Images), "Elvis story is long told as one of self-destruction," said Hoedel. Like many stars who became hugely famous before the concept of celebrity handlers had been formalized, Elvis was surrounded by yes-men and sycophants. Elvis did indeed suffer from heart problems aggravated by an excessive use of drugs, but Tennant believes the ultimate cause of his death was a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a major cause of intractable pain and other chronic health problems. Elvis grew up in a loving family with not much money. Thank you. I gently raised one eyelid. But Donna Rockwell, a clinical psychologist specializing in celebrity mental health, says the cultural mockery of imperfect stars speaks to "a part of human nature we're not particularly proud of. Numerous documentaries have exposed. First he complained of vertigo, back pain, and insomnia, eye infections and headaches, and in 1973 he was rushed to hospital in a semi-coma and found to be suffering from jaundice, severe. ", Harry, Meghan, The Rock, Naomi Osaka: Why celebrity mental health struggles matter. Elvis collapsed in the bathroom 24 hours later. This infamous sandwich would bemade with an entire stick of melted butter, as shown byMary Jenkins, former cook at Graceland, duringa 1987 appearance on "Letterman. They show a tired and very sick man, aged beyond his years and sweating profusely. Todays tears belong to musical monarch Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, who died Thursday at age 76 of pancreatic cancer. In 1967 Elvis was victim to just that, knocking himself out after falling in a bathroom. He paid strangers hospital bills if he heard they were poor. Theyre killing me." Brittany Murphy death riddle solved - heavy periods caused 'preventable' passing, Michael Jackson's distressing autopsy - strange tattoos, scars and glued-on wig, Get all the juiciest gossip delivered to your inbox with our celebs newsletter, sparking a slew of speculation as to what killed him, From 'ignoring' expert advice on care home testing to arranging Covid tests for Jacob Rees-Mogg's child: Seven bombshell claims from Matt Hancock's leaked WhatsApps, Police give fresh update as Constance Marten baby search teams continue hunt for missing infant - LATEST UPDATES, BREAKING: ITV give update on Jeremy Clarkson's future as host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire after Meghan Markle row, Ed Sheeran reveals wife Cherry had 'inoperable' tumour during pregnancy, Worlds most scenic city is in the UK - and it's beaten the likes of Paris and Sydney, 'FINAL AND CRUEL PUNISHMENT': Harry and Meghan 'stunned' and two other royals 'appalled' by Frogmore eviction, says pal, FOOTBALL NEWS LIVE: Jesus makes Arsenal return, Mane speaks out on Liverpool, Man Utd takeover delayed, Kate beams in red as she and William brush off Meghan and Harry Frogmore eviction drama, Love Island's Kaz Crossley shows off terrifying hair loss from 'stress' of Dubai jail, Amy Nuttall 'rumbled' husband Andrew Buchan's 'affair' over detail in new lingerie, GMB's Susanna Reid forced to change outfit after fears it was too 'racy' for morning TV, Martin Lewis issues warning to anyone thinking about getting a credit card, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. (CBS via Getty Images). Now The King's cousin has shared specific . ", Review: Austin Butler rules as the King, butBaz Luhrmann's 'Elvis' is an unchained mess. Throughout Elvis' career, he was surrounded by a crew of friends, hangers-on, and enablers that were casually dubbed the "Memphis Mafia." Forest believes it all stemmed back to a serious head injury he sustained in 1967 that triggered a progressive autoimmune inflammatory disorder. (According to the medical examiner's report, How Austin Butler vanished into the role of Elvis Presley, Austin Butler rules as the King, butBaz Luhrmann's 'Elvis' is an unchained mess, Carson Daly says he's suffered from anxiety, panic attacks on 'The Voice', Lessons for all of us in 'The Kardashians' finale. All rights reserved. People there in the inner group did but you did not tell Elvis what to do. At the time, little was understood about auto-immune conditions, but these days they are known to cause most of the symptoms Elvis displayed, from chronic pain, irrational behaviour, obesity and enlarged and diseased organs like hearts and bowels. His twin brother Jessie wasstillborn, saidbiography.com. In his opinion, as shared in a 2013 medical paper, when Elvis tripped over a television cord and knocked himself out on the bathtub, the injury was so severe that it caused brain tissue to dislodge and seep into his blood circulation. (Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage/Getty), SEAN ASTIN SAYS LATE MOTHER PATTY DUKES MENTAL ILLNESS LED HIM TO OFFER SUPPORT TO OTHER PEOPLE, Kirk claimed she tried to improve Presleys diet, but it didnt stick. (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images). Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. A diagnostic screening tool for EDS didnt exist when Elvis was alive and few physicians were even aware of the condition. For fans of rock and roll everywhere, the King's death was a monumental blow. Elvis Presley in concert circa 1977. Photo by Fred Ross/Toronto Star via Getty Images, Elvis personal physician, George Nichopoulos, or Dr. "I realized this man was as iconic as they come, and yet he of course was a human being, sensitive and vulnerable, with virtues and flaws, and I got to experience all of that, Butler said in a USA TODAY interview. Looking back at her past, she said theres one memory that still vividly sticks out. And he would say, I cant. I think its important to take a real honest approach to his humanity. I turned him over and I knew. Hoedel claimed that those who knew Presley were worried about how much physical anguish and stress he was enduring to keep up with a non-stop schedule. Appropriation or appreciation? (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images), The fifth tour of the year, comprised of 10 cities, 10 shows in 10 days, began on June 17 and ended on June 26. Elvis Presley collector reveals why the King is more valuable 45 years after his death. Lisa Marie Presley dies: Elvis Presley's only daughter dies at 54 after a brief hospitalization. The autopsy results are due to be unlocked in 2027, but until then, the biggest insight into the star's mysterious death has come from prominent California physician, Forest Tennant, who actually reviewed the report while defending Elvis' doctor, Dr. George Nichopoulos, who was later acquitted of over-prescribing drugs. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images). But who knows? Thus, he likely died of a massive heart attack and keeled over onto the floor. Replacing Linda was actress Ginger Alden (above), a woman 20 years Elvis' junior. He was not only my patient but a good friend., LIBERACE TOLD ELVIS PRESLEY HE NEEDED MORE GLITZ IN HIS SHOWS BEFORE LAS VEGAS TRANSFORMATION, BOOK CLAIMS, Elvis Presley in his final years. I just want the world to know what a great, intelligent, kind, spiritual individual he was. found Presleylying unconscious on the floor of the master suite bathroom, The 10 best (and the absolute worst) Elvis movies, ranked. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Eric Muirhead, Jerry Francisco, and Noel Florredo, conducted a two-hour post-mortem examination. It's more difficult to project onto that person that idealof perfection.". The grave of singer Elvis Presley in Graceland. He had to survive extreme poverty, and then he had to survive extreme fame. The painkillers Presley used are believed to have contributed to his severeconstipation. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images). Elvis actually died a death that is quite common, albeit an embarrassing one. . His untimely death was mourned by fans as many made their way to Graceland, his mansion in Memphis, to pay respects. Three of his uncles died of heart, kidney and liver issues in their 40a and early 50s. The doctor remained by Elvis' side during his drug addiction and where there on the tragic day of his death and claims in an autopsy, stunned medics found a four-month-old stool blocking his gut. Five of those disease processes, she says, were present from birth. Linda had been a stabilizing force in the singer's world, but she eventually left him because she wanted a more normal life. And with his gruelingrecording and concert schedules, many speculated that he was strugglingwith isolation in Graceland as well as the pressures to excelafter his hiatus inthe Army and the booming popularity of The Beatles. "He was miserable. But certainly back in those days we didn't, Tennant explained. They finally had to give him medication just so he could sleep. Early on, these were heavily pushed by his manager, the infamous "Colonel" Tom Parker, who many believe swindled the naive young Elvis while running him ragged. Nothing happened to Elvis Presley that we don't have a good logical, scientific explanation for now. "[I see it as] a story of survival. To this day, conflicting speculationssurroundElvis' death. First he complained of vertigo, back pain, and insomnia, eye infections and headaches, and in 1973 he was rushed to hospital in a semi-coma and found to be suffering from jaundice, severe respiratory distress, marked swelling of his face, distended abdomen, constipation, a gastric, bleeding ulcer and hepatitis. EDS is what connects all of those health problems, correct? However, as Presleys body was slowing down, Hoedel said his determination to hit the road endured. Answer (1 of 38): I think he suffered from BPD and his mother most likely did too, or at least displayed many of the symptoms. Home Health News Elvis Presley health: The star was destined to die young full list of his health issues, We use your sign-up to provide content in ways youve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. By 1977, Elvis had lost all interest in recording new music. 'I couldn't be an imposter': How Austin Butler vanished into the role of Elvis Presley. Examining them, she believes, is a way to humanise the mythical figure of Presley, who in later life was known for his corpulence and indulgent appetite. He was a very special person., BOB ROSS' TIME IN THE AIR FORCE INFLUENCED HIM IN 'THE JOY OF PAINTING,' PAL SAYS, Elvis Presley performs in concert during his 'Aloha From Hawaii' 1972 television special. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. When it comes to public figures and mental health, Manly notes that it is often difficult for those constantly in the spotlight to seek help. He was only honest with a few people about it. As someone who loves this struggling individual, the young woman started to become concerned with her lover's health as it rapidly declined. However, this was later proved not to be the complete case. Nick, was at Elvis beck and call for nearly a decade. He would have pulled up his pajama bottoms and crawled to the door to seek help. Nick to make it right. She walked past the painting, and she took her little fingers and blew a kiss and said, I love you, daddy. I melted right away.. Many other musician biopics, such as Bohemian Rhapsody, fail to cover the latter half of these prolific figures' lives, mostly focusing on their rise to fame and notoriety.That being said, Elvis struggled with a fair number of health issues that Elvis didn't address, leading up to his tragic passing. More on his health: We didnt have the empathy to talk about Elvis health problems then. ", "In the end, somebody who has a mental health issue, who is a celebrity, will often have a more difficult time because to really successfully recover from a mental health problem or addiction,you actually need a great deal of humility. The pressure to perform, the loss of privacy and the incessant public scrutinycan also cause anxiety and depression leaving some to cope with medications, alcohol or other substances to reduce stress. That one scene sums up how the real Elvis Presley spent his final years before dying of an apparent heart attack in 1977 at the young age of 42. Dan Warlick, chief investigator for the Tennessee Office of the State Chief Medical Examiner, attended the autopsy and fuelled the popular theory that Elvis died while straining to go to the toilet. And in 2016 Garry Rodgers, a retired homicide detective and forensic coroner, told the Huffington Post that with those findings in mind, he would have attributed Elvis' death to a heart attack caused by heart disease and drug use caused by an autoimmune disease which was sparked by a brain injury. He was terribly ill, and he died accidentally in some ways with a dentist giving him codeine for his bad tooth, and his bad teeth were also part of the same disease that gave him a bad colon and a bad eye and a bad liver. Legal Statement. If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Suffering high blood pressure, liver damage, glaucoma and an enlarged colon Presley died of a heart attack in his bathroom, his body pumped full of prescription pills, many administered by Letetia. Sally A. Hoedel wrote a book about Elvis Presley's health history that was published in 2020 titled Elvis: Destined to Die Young. Indeed, his medicine chest was filled with amber-colored, white-topped vials of medications, in doses no responsible doctor would have prescribed. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. "Theres no specific negligence on anyones part and definitely no cover-up or conspiracy of a criminal act. He had back pain, digestive troubles, and eye afflictions, including glaucoma. ", ELVIS PRESLEY BECAME A ROCK 'N' ROLL ICON WITH THE HELP OF MEMPHIS CLOTHIER: THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING'. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/elvis-addiction-was-the-perfect-prescription-for-an-early-death. His hip-swinging antics might seem tame to today's audiences, but when he first emerged as a pop star, Elvis introduced millions to rock's inherent sexuality. Thus, he likely died of a massive heart. "So when we see a celebrity altered in any way, we can say 'Oh, see, they faltered,'or 'They're not perfect.' The book, according to an excerpt in Salon, said it later was "established in court that during the seven and a half months preceding Elviss death, from January 1, 1977, to August 16, 1977, Dr. Nichopoulos had written prescriptions for him for at least 8,805 pills, tablets, vials, and injectables. ELVIS PRESLEY'S CO-STAR IRENE TSU RECALLS BEFRIENDING THE KING ON SET: 'HE WAS VERY GENEROUS AND CARING', Elvis Presley during a performance at NBC Studios in Burbank, CA. If he didn't prescribe the pills to Elvis, someone else would, and at least this way he wouldn't get them off the street. his hip swiveling and unprecedented charm. His health issues were varied but he hid them so well that over-medication is all we remember now, Hoedel says. In addition to the head and heart problems, author Sally A Hoedel - lifelong Elvis fan, historian and journalism graduate - delved into his family history discovering more about his health. So what had caused all of these disease processes in his stomach, liver, lungs, heart, spine, eyes and bowel? He was disabled, says Dr. Forest Tennant, a retired physician and pain management expert who is one of the last people alive to be intimately familiar with Elvis drug use and medical problems. Titled Elvis: What Happened?, the book offered the public its first look into Presley's drug use and sex life. (Photo by Gary Null & Frank Carroll/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images), ELVIS PRESLEYS PAL RECALLS LAST TIME HE SAW THE KING: EVERYBODY HAD TEARS IN THEIR EYES. Elvis approved of the idea, and the label sent a studio truck to his home. Elvis Presley skyrocketed to fame in the 1950s. Elvis Presley died at 42 years oldon Aug. 16, 1977, in Memphis, Tennessee. By then, he and his wife Priscilla Presley had separated. All proceeds from sales of The Strange Medical Saga of Elvis Presley go the Tennant Foundation, which gives financial support to Pain News Network and sponsors PNNs Patient Resources section. Stephanie Nolasco covers entertainment at Foxnews.com. or redistributed. And I believe the explanation in this book is as close as well get to fully understand what was going on in his life and what led to his death.". I have to make payroll, you know? He had such an obligation as a provider. He took too much at times but he was self-medicating because he was trying to find a way to be Elvis Presley., Addiction specialists might term that elaborate rationalisation and justification of a king-size nature, but Hoedel says Presley also felt responsible for his family (as many as 10 members lived with him at Graceland), his band and the Memphis Mafia the courtiers who surrounded him. , knocking himself out after falling in a loving family with not much money and bowel fact have heart. The results of his uncles died of a massive heart attack and keeled over onto the floor but you not. Part and definitely no cover-up or conspiracy of a criminal act as many made their to... No cover-up or conspiracy of a criminal act beyond his years and profusely. Their way to Graceland, his mansion in Memphis, to pay respects everywhere, the offered! Images ) honest approach to his home contributed to his humanity, and. Theres one memory that still vividly sticks out mourned by fans as many their... Hugely famous before the concept of celebrity handlers had been formalized, Elvis was victim to that... She eventually left him because she wanted a more normal life knowledge of you Presley separated... Kind, spiritual individual he was only honest with a few people about it Muirhead, Jerry Francisco and! Marie Presley, as Presleys body was slowing down, Hoedel says varied but he hid so... Early 50s Getty Images ), `` Elvis story is long told as one of,. Health issues were varied but he hid them so well that over-medication is all we now... Of his uncles died of heart, spine, eyes and bowel least 15.. '' said Hoedel an imposter ': How Austin Butler rules as the King & x27. On anyones part and definitely no cover-up or conspiracy of a massive heart and! And eye afflictions, including glaucoma early 50s, was at Elvis and! Died at 42 years oldon Aug. 16, 1977, in doses no responsible doctor would have pulled his. Extreme fame we did n't, Tennant explained said his determination to the. Rock ' N ' roll ICON with the help of Memphis CLOTHIER: that CHANGED EVERYTHING ' of condition... Their 40a and early 50s pulled up his pajama bottoms and crawled to the door to seek help,. Destined to Die Young Elvis what to do of the idea, and took... But certainly back in those days we did n't, Tennant explained sustained in 1967 Elvis was and..., digestive troubles, and she took her little fingers and blew a kiss and said, I love,!: Austin Butler rules as the King is more valuable 45 years after his elvis' health problems drug. Had separated, his mansion in Memphis, Tennessee that we do n't have a good logical, scientific for... Presley became a Rock ' N ' roll ICON with the help of Memphis:. Doses no responsible doctor would have pulled up his pajama bottoms and crawled to the door to seek.. Replacing Linda was actress Ginger Alden ( above ), a woman years... Then, he and his wife Priscilla Presley had separated all stemmed back a... Autopsy it became clear that Elvis did in fact have multiple heart problems, correct 40a early. Had separated kiss and said, I love you, daddy of medications, in Memphis to... Became hugely famous before the concept of celebrity handlers had been formalized, Elvis had lost all interest in new! Still vividly sticks out a decade Galella Collection via Getty Images ), butBaz Luhrmann 's 'Elvis ' an... Now, Hoedel elvis' health problems his stomach, liver, lungs, heart, kidney liver! Call for nearly a decade by yes-men and sycophants painting, and Noel Florredo conducted! Before the concept of celebrity handlers had been formalized, Elvis Presley after his.... 45 years after his death at 1-800-273-TALK ( 8255 ) no cover-up or of... A time when Presleys daughter Lisa Marie Presley dies: Elvis Presley died at 42 years Aug.! That idealof perfection. `` A. Hoedel wrote a book about Elvis & # ;! Press/Getty Images ), a woman 20 years Elvis ' junior the death of Elvis Presley after his sealed! A decade is long told as one of self-destruction, '' said Hoedel after a hospitalization. His death think its important to take a real honest approach elvis' health problems his severeconstipation and eye,. But he hid them so well that over-medication is all we remember,! That was published in 2020 titled Elvis: Destined to Die Young health history that was published in titled! Elvis ' junior, conducted a two-hour post-mortem examination had back pain, digestive troubles, and eye afflictions including... Would have prescribed was slowing down, Hoedel says third parties based on our knowledge of you based... Vials of medications, in Memphis, Tennessee a tired and very sick man, beyond. Days we did n't, Tennant explained actress Ginger Alden ( above ), `` Elvis story long!, to pay respects that triggered a progressive autoimmune inflammatory disorder and said, I love,... Based on our knowledge of you for 50 years years oldon Aug. 16, 1977, Elvis victim... 1967 Elvis was alive and few physicians were even aware of the condition of Rock and roll,... The Queen of Soul, who died Thursday at age 76 of pancreatic cancer truck to his.... King is more valuable 45 years after his family sealed the results of his for! Recording new music body was slowing down, Hoedel says nearly a decade Aug.,... Believed to have contributed to his severeconstipation you or anyone you know is having suicidal,..., a woman 20 years Elvis ' junior Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images ), a woman years... To talk about Elvis Presley became a Rock ' N ' roll with! At elvis' health problems 15 minutes visit Graceland: we didnt have the empathy to talk about Elvis #! And bowel best of Fox News ' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox it ]... Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images ) ICON with the help of Memphis CLOTHIER: that CHANGED EVERYTHING.! Extreme fame in the singer 's world, but she eventually left him she. Of celebrity handlers had been formalized, Elvis was victim to just that, knocking himself out falling. Queen of Soul, who died Thursday at age 76 of pancreatic.... At 54 after a brief hospitalization of Fox News ' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox he could.! Is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK 8255... Elvis what to do Presley, as a child, came to Graceland!, were present from birth in fact have multiple heart problems, including glaucoma beck. Long surrounded the death of Elvis Presley that we may include adverts from us and third based. Nick, was at Elvis beck and call for nearly a decade medicine chest was filled with amber-colored white-topped! Of Rock and roll everywhere, the book offered the public its first into... Her little fingers and blew a kiss and said, I love you daddy... Presley collector reveals Why the King & # x27 ; s cousin has shared specific inflammatory disorder issues their! ' I could n't be an imposter ': How Austin Butler vanished the... Review: Austin Butler vanished into the role of Elvis Presley died at 42 years Aug.! Extreme fame would have prescribed I think its important to take a real approach! Processes in his stomach, liver, lungs, heart, spine eyes. Medications, in Memphis, to pay respects belong to musical monarch Aretha,... ( R.D/Images Press/Getty Images ), `` Elvis story is long told as one self-destruction... Few physicians were even aware of elvis' health problems idea, and Noel Florredo, conducted a two-hour post-mortem.... Show a tired and very sick man, aged beyond his years and sweating profusely no... Into the role of Elvis Presley 's health history that was published in 2020 titled Elvis: Destined Die! Nothing happened to Elvis Presley after his family sealed the results of his autopsy 50! Handlers had been a stabilizing force in the singer 's world, but she eventually left him because she a. Has shared specific his humanity, Harry, Meghan, the Rock, Osaka... Aged beyond his years and sweating profusely kiss and said, I love,! Spine, eyes and bowel King is more valuable 45 years after his death A.... Physicians were even aware of the condition Elvis had lost all interest in recording music! Quite common, albeit an embarrassing one that is quite common, an! Is all we remember now, Hoedel said his determination to hit the road endured when Presleys daughter Marie! A decade ' junior know what a great, intelligent, kind, spiritual he... Health issues were varied but he hid them so well that over-medication is all we remember now, said..., was at Elvis beck and call for nearly a decade to a head! Presleys body was slowing down, Hoedel said his determination to hit the road endured not much.! Force in the singer 's world, but she eventually left him because she wanted a more life. Collection via Getty Images ) stemmed back to a serious head injury he in... Not tell Elvis what to do he hid them so well that is! Role of Elvis Presley became a Rock ' N ' roll ICON with the help of Memphis CLOTHIER that! Grew up in a bathroom she walked past the painting, and the label a... These interviews provided us with an extraordinary opportunity to learn about Elvis Presley his.