Outside of his immediate family, Swedish-born actress and singer Ann-Margret was undoubtedly the most significant woman in Elvis Presley’s life. Cast opposite the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the 1963 musical Viva Las Vegas, she became the most memorable of Presley’s Hollywood leading ladies. The deep personal connection they forged over the years provides a bittersweet, fairytale-like interlude in Presley’s turbulent life story, which reached a tragic conclusion in 1977.
The young starlets first crossed paths in early July 1963 on a soundstage at Radio Recorders studios in Hollywood. They were introduced to each other—and to the gathered press—as the co-stars of MGM’s upcoming musical feature. At 28 years old, Presley was preparing for his 14th film, while the 22-year-old Ann-Margret was witnessing her own career explode. Her breakout performance in Bye Bye Birdie, released just three months prior, had transformed her into an overnight sensation.
In her 1994 autobiography, Ann-Margret vividly recalled that fateful introduction:
“Except for a piano, the MGM soundstage where Elvis and I met was empty. In the background, a few of his guys hung around observing their boss, a ritual I would soon come to expect. Under the watchful gaze of director George Sidney, a studio photographer snapped shots of what the film company executives figured would be a historic moment.
‘Elvis Presley, I’d like you to meet a wonderful young lady, Ann-Margret,’ said George Sidney. ‘Ann-Margret, this is Elvis Presley.’ The significance was lost on Elvis and me. I reached out my hand and he shook it gently. ‘I’ve heard a lot about you,’ we said at the same time, which made us laugh and broke the ice.”
While the meeting served as the official launch of their professional collaboration, it simultaneously sparked a profound personal romance. Reflecting on the moment, Ann-Margret admitted that she had no inkling of how quickly the legendary performer—who had captured the hearts of millions of women across America—would manage to capture hers.
Sparks in the Desert: The Chemistry of Viva Las Vegas
Before the cameras began rolling in the Nevada desert, the co-stars entered the recording studio. On July 9 and 10, they tracked their individual vocal performances. On July 11, they joined forces to record three dynamic duets: “The Lady Loves Me,” “You’re the Boss,” and “Today, Tomorrow, and Forever.”
A few days later, the cast and crew relocated to Las Vegas, checking into the historic Sahara Hotel to commence on-location filming. The palpable energy between the two leads quickly became impossible to ignore. Producers had anticipated that a boy-meets-girl musical would thrive on strong chemistry, but the sheer electricity generated by the pair caught everyone by surprise. Associated Press correspondents tracking the production noted that the stars held hands, retreated to Presley’s dressing room between takes, and shared secluded lunches away from the crew.
According to Ann-Margret, their immediate bond was fueled by an identical, visceral relationship with music. The rhythm ignited a shared passion, transforming them into virtual mirror images on the dance floor. When Presley moved, she instinctively matched his fire, creating an unmatched creative synergy that defined the golden era of mid-century musical cinema.
Gaining the Trust of the Memphis Mafia
As production progressed, the co-stars discovered a deep pool of shared values. Beyond their mutual artistry, they shared an enthusiasm for fast motorcycles, a profound love for their families, an innate desire for personal privacy, and a quiet devotion to God. Early in the shoot, Presley invited her out for an evening show alongside his famous entourage, known to the public as the Memphis Mafia.
Unlike many other women in Presley’s circle, Ann-Margret fit seamlessly into his world. His companions grew incredibly comfortable around her because she treated them with genuine respect and possessed a brilliant sense of humor. They affectionately dubbed her “Rusty,” after her fiery red-haired character in the script. Presley’s cousin, Billy Smith, later recalled that she made the singer’s life significantly easier because she understood his complex lifestyle without making heavy emotional demands—a trait that stood in sharp contrast to his relationship with Priscilla Beaulieu.
As their mutual comfort grew, Presley increasingly sought out quiet, private moments alone with her. Away from the constant glare of publicists and bodyguards, he began to open up his heart in ways he rarely did with anyone else.
During late-night drives into the hills overlooking the sprawling lights of Los Angeles, Presley revealed his most vulnerable side—his hidden hurts, deep-seated anxieties, and personal dreams. It was during these quiet evenings under the stars that their friendship solidified into a passionate, full-blown love affair.
Navigating Ego and Hollywood Politics
The only notable friction during the production of Viva Las Vegas stemmed from professional egos and studio politics. Several members of Presley’s entourage later accused director George Sidney of showing blatant favoritism toward Ann-Margret by intentionally giving her better camera angles and more screen time at the leading man’s expense.
The singer reportedly complained to his inner circle after viewing the daily footage, prompting his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, to intervene aggressively. The Colonel fiercely reminded MGM executives that this was strictly an “Elvis Presley picture.” To protect his client’s status, Parker successfully pressured the studio to cut two of the three recorded duets from the final theatrical release of the movie.
Ultimately, the final cut of the film maintained Presley’s musical dominance, featuring six solo tracks for him compared to just two for his female lead. Despite the behind-the-scenes maneuvering by management, no real-world jealousy tarnished the romance between the two stars. They remained deeply infatuated, continuing their secret relationship long after Hollywood production wrapped. Insiders noted that she retained a key to his California residence well into 1964, frequently writing him affectionate letters under the codenames “Bunny” or “Thumper” to bypass the switchboards at his Graceland estate.
Separate Paths and Lifelong Loyalty
Despite the depth of their affection, both stars recognized that their whirlwind romance faced an inevitable expiration date. Presley carried a heavy, long-term commitment to Priscilla Beaulieu, whom he had brought to live at Graceland. Ann-Margret recalled that while he was always transparent about the situation, the emotional reality remained deeply confusing. After nearly a year of dating, they chose to halt their romance so Presley could fulfill his obligations.
Presley married Priscilla in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967. In a striking twist of fate, Ann-Margret wed actor Roger Smith in the exact same city just one week later.
For the remaining decade of Presley’s life, the former lovers maintained an unwavering, fiercely loyal friendship. When she made her debut on the Las Vegas performance stage in June 1967, Presley sent a distinctive, guitar-shaped floral arrangement to her dressing room—a thoughtful gesture he faithfully repeated for every single one of her Vegas openings for the rest of his life. Throughout the 1970s, they routinely attended each other’s live concerts and shared warm, supportive visits backstage.
Faithful to the Very End
As the 1970s progressed, both icons faced severe personal battles with substance dependency. While Ann-Margret successfully fought a public battle against alcoholism, Presley grew increasingly trapped by an addiction to prescription medications. By early 1977, rumors regarding the rock pioneer’s failing health began circulating through the entertainment industry, prompting anxious inquiries from his longtime friend.
When Ann-Margret opened her newest show at the Las Vegas Hilton on August 15, 1977, she noticed with a heavy heart that, for the first time in ten years, Presley’s customary floral arrangement was missing. The following morning, a devastating phone call from Memphis confirmed the news of his untimely death at the age of 42.
While many Hollywood figures shied away from the chaotic media circus surrounding the funeral, Ann-Margret immediately traveled to Memphis. Upon arriving at the mansion, she shared a tearful embrace with Presley’s grieving father, Vernon Presley, who quietly comforted her by stating how incredibly proud his son had always been of her.
In the decades following his passing, she has consistently maintained a dignified silence regarding the intimate details of their private romance, choosing instead to honor his legacy with elegance and respect. Their enduring bond remains one of the most genuine, touching chapters in the storied history of American rock and roll.