Vernon Presley

“December 8, 1977 proved to be a horrible night when, after Elvis’s show, Vernon collapsed in the backstage dressing room. Elvis, myself, Dr. Ghanem, Sandy, and Joe rode with him to Sunrise Hospital, where Vernon was rushed into the emergency room, followed closely by Dr. Ghanem and Sandy.

While we waited, Elvis found an empty wheelchair in a mostly vacant corridor and sat down in it. Someone placed a chair beside him for me and I sat down, too. I noticed Elvis’s eyes get misty and he lightly wiped them with the back of his hand. I placed my arm around him, wanting to comfort him any way possible. One night earlier, I’d been afraid I might lose my grandfather. Now here was Elvis, in a similar situation with his own father. I knew how helpless he must feel. Here was a man who thought he could do anything, yet this was beyond his reach. I wished there was something I could do for Elvis, the way he had offered to help me. At this moment, all I had to give him was my love, and that’s what I gave.

We said prayers in the hallway as we waited for news. Sandy finally walked out and explained that Vernon had fluid buildup in his lungs, but otherwise he was doing all right. She also mentioned that he would definitely have to stop smoking.

Dr. Ghanem joined us then, relaying similar information. He tried to reassure Elvis and put him at ease. I waited while Elvis went in to see his father. Afterward, the doctors requested that Vernon stay in the hospital overnight.

I had seen Elvis be pensive before, but during our ride back to the Hilton, he was dead quiet. I was determined to comfort him and respect his feelings any way I could. If Elvis wanted to think in silence, I was there to keep him company, or if he wanted to talk, I was there to listen.

As we returned to our suite, Ricky Stanley was waiting for us. He immediately walked up to Elvis and hugged him. Ricky then “surprised me with a hug and said, “Thank you for being here, Ginger.”

It meant a great deal to me, hearing that. I was grateful if, in some small way, I had actually helped Elvis in a time of need.”

Excerpt From

Elvis and Ginger

Ginger Alden