Davada "Dee" Stanley Presley: Death Of Elvis' Stepmother - News & Claims

Did Davada "Dee" Stanley Presley truly know the King, or was she just a controversial figure adding to the Presley legend? Davada "Dee" Stanley Presley, the second wife of Elvis Presley's father, Vernon, left an undeniable mark, though often a contentious one, on the Presley narrative.

Her death, which occurred at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, brought a final chapter to a life intertwined with the legacy of the King of Rock and Roll. Dee, born on June 16, 1925, in Waverly, Tennessee, lived a life far removed from the spotlight before marrying into the Presley family. Her marriage to Vernon Presley in June 1960, just two years after the death of Elvis's mother, Gladys, was a move that would define her in the eyes of many Elvis fans. The union, however, was not met with open arms, particularly from Elvis himself, who reportedly disapproved of the quick remarriage of his father after such a significant loss. This complex relationship fueled much of the controversy surrounding her.

The narrative of Dee Stanley is one filled with contradictions. While she was, in many ways, an outsider, she became a crucial figure in the Presley family's story. Her subsequent actions cemented her place in the Presley mythos, though often with a degree of skepticism.

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Category	Details
Full Name	Davada Mae (Dee) Elliott Stanley Presley
Birth Date	June 16, 1925
Birthplace	Waverly, Tennessee
Death Date	September 28, 2013
Death Place	Nashville, Tennessee
Marriages	William J. (First Husband), Vernon Presley (Second Husband)
Children	Billy Stanley Jr., Rick Stanley, David Stanley
Relationship to Elvis Presley	Stepmother
Noted For	Controversial claims and writings about Elvis Presley.
Key Events	Married Vernon Presley in 1960; Divorced in 1977; Published controversial accounts of Elvis's life.
Residences	Huntsville, Alabama; Nashville, Tennessee
Occupation	Nurse (Prior to marriage to Vernon Presley); Author
Reference Website	Find a Grave

Vernon Presley, Elvis' father, experienced a life marked by both hardship and the unprecedented fame of his son. Vernon's early years were characterized by financial instability. He worked various jobs, from milkman to carpenter, farmhand to truck driver, often struggling to provide for his family. The Presleys' early life was modest, renting a house near the "Shakerag" area of Tupelo before moving to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948. The family dynamic was forever altered when Gladys passed away in 1958. Vernon remarried Dee Stanley in June 1960, which marked a new chapter for him, but also one fraught with tension.

The marriage of Vernon Presley and Dee Stanley was not a fairy tale. The couple divorced in 1977 after 16 years. The relationship did not end on good terms, with allegations and counter-allegations. This tumultuous union contributed to Dee's complicated relationship with the Elvis fanbase. Those who loved Elvis were often protective of his memory and legacy, and Dee's claims and actions were often seen as an attempt to capitalize on Elvis' fame rather than a genuine connection.

One of the most controversial aspects of Dee Stanley's legacy is her claims and writings about Elvis. She wrote books that made sensational assertions, including a purported gay affair, a suicide pact with his mother, and an incestuous relationship with her. These claims, often lacking credible evidence, caused significant controversy and alienated many Elvis fans. They viewed her as someone who exploited the singer's memory for personal gain, undermining the integrity of Elvis's story.

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Priscilla Presley, in her 1985 memoir, "Elvis and Me," co-written with Sandra Harmon, offers a different perspective on the King's life. Priscilla provides an intimate account of her relationship with Elvis, from their first meeting to the factors that led to their divorce. Priscilla's memoir is a testament to a complex relationship with the King, but has received very positive reviews from people.

In contrast to the assertions made by Dee Stanley, Priscilla's book focuses on the love, the challenges, and the pressures of being in a relationship with one of the biggest stars in the world. It provides a more humanizing portrait of Elvis, highlighting the complexities of his life and character.

The timeline of events further underscores the challenges faced by the Presley family. Elvis's mother, Gladys, died in 1958, while he was serving in the army. Vernon remarried Dee Stanley in 1960. The quick remarriage, coupled with the controversial claims, set the stage for a tumultuous relationship. The lack of a close relationship between Elvis and Dee further complicated the family dynamics. Dee's relationship with Elvis was strained, which fueled the discord and amplified the controversies. It is hardly surprising that the singer never got along with his stepmother, given the circumstances and the timing.

In the aftermath of Elvis's death in 1977, Dee Stanley remained a figure of public interest, often sought out for her insights and claims. However, these interactions often served to reinforce her controversial reputation and perpetuate the divide among fans.

Dee Stanley's sons from her previous marriage, Bill, David, and Rick Stanley, also became part of the narrative. Rick Stanley, in particular, offered anecdotes from his years as a personal aide to Elvis. However, like any account from those close to Elvis, these recollections must be viewed with caution. The stories from Elvis's inner circle provide insights into his world, but they are often shaped by personal experiences and biases, requiring careful consideration.

The impact of Dee Stanley on the Elvis Presley story is undeniable. She provided a voice, albeit a controversial one, and her death offered a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of the Presley legacy. Whether her claims were true or not, they serve to illustrate the power of celebrity and the ways in which fame can be both celebrated and exploited. Dee's story underscores the importance of critically examining all accounts of Elvis's life and the enduring power of his legacy.

Ultimately, the story of Dee Stanley is a cautionary tale, a reminder that even the most well-known figures can become subject to sensationalism and speculation. Her death closed a chapter, but it left behind a complicated legacy, forever tied to the King of Rock and Roll.