Dee Stanley: Vernon Presley's Second Wife & Elvis's Tumultuous Stepmother
The death of a loved one leaves an indelible mark, and for Vernon Presley, the passing of his beloved wife, Gladys, in 1958 was a seismic event that left him and his iconic son, Elvis, utterly distraught. Gladys, Elvis's mother, passed away at the tender age of 46 during Elvis's army service on August 14, 1958. This profound loss cast a long shadow over the Presley family. However, just two years later, a new chapter began for Vernon, one that would introduce a complex figure into the family's narrative: Davada "Dee" Stanley, who became Vernon Presley's second wife.
Dee Stanley's arrival into the Presley household marked a significant shift, not just for Vernon but for Elvis himself. Their marriage, which took place on July 3, 1960, brought a new dynamic to Graceland, a home synonymous with the King of Rock and Roll. This article delves into the life of Dee Stanley, exploring her relationship with Vernon, her role as Elvis's stepmother, and the controversies that would later define her legacy within the Presley story.
Table of Contents
- Dee Stanley: A Biographical Sketch
- The Widower Vernon and the Void Left by Gladys
- A Whirlwind Romance: Love at First Sight
- The Marriage to Vernon Presley and Life at Graceland
- Dee Stanley as Elvis' Stepmother: A Strained Relationship
- The Dissolution of the Marriage and Vernon's Final Years
- The Legacy of Dee Stanley Presley
- Vernon Presley's Enduring Legacy
Dee Stanley: A Biographical Sketch
Davada Mae Elliott, better known as Dee Stanley, entered the public eye through her marriage to Vernon Presley. Born Davada Mae Elliott, daughter of Jim Elliott and Bessie Mae Heath, her life took an unexpected turn when she met Elvis Presley's father. Before her union with Vernon, Dee had been married to Billy Stanley and was living in West Germany in 1959. This was the same period when Elvis was serving in the country as part of the Third Armoured Division. It was in this unique setting that the paths of Dee and Vernon crossed, setting the stage for their future together.
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While much of her life before Vernon remains less documented in public discourse, her time as Vernon Presley's second wife placed her firmly in the spotlight, albeit often controversially. Her later years were marked by her candid, and often contentious, accounts of her time within the Presley family. She passed away at the age of 88 at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to spark debate among Elvis's vast fanbase.
Personal Data: Davada "Dee" Stanley Presley
| Full Name: | Davada Mae Elliott Stanley Presley |
| Known As: | Dee Stanley, Dee Presley |
| Born: | (Information not provided in data) |
| Died: | Age 88, at her home in Nashville, Tennessee |
| Spouse(s): | Billy Stanley (first husband), Vernon Presley (second husband) |
| Marriage to Vernon Presley: | July 3, 1960, in Montgomery, Alabama |
| Divorce from Vernon Presley: | 1977 |
| Children: | Three sons from her first marriage (Billy, Rick, and David Stanley) |
| Relationship to Elvis Presley: | Stepmother |
| Notable Actions: | Authored "scandalous books" about Elvis after his death |
The Widower Vernon and the Void Left by Gladys
Before the arrival of Dee Stanley, Vernon Presley's life revolved around his first wife, Gladys Love Smith. Vernon and Gladys made a beautiful couple, marrying in 1933. Interestingly, their union had an unusual start; Vernon was underage, and he lied to the court, claiming he was 18, to make their marriage legal. This early act of devotion underscored the depth of their bond. Their family ties were further intertwined as Gladys's sister, Clettes, married Vester, Vernon's older brother, meaning two brothers married two sisters. This close-knit family structure was the bedrock of Elvis's early life, with Vernon and Gladys providing a stable, loving environment despite their humble beginnings. From an early age, it was clear Elvis was musically gifted, and his parents nurtured this talent.
However, this idyllic family unit was shattered by Gladys's untimely death at the age of 46 in 1958. Her passing left both Vernon and Elvis profoundly distraught. Gladys was not just Vernon's wife; she was the anchor of their family, a constant source of support and love for Elvis. Her absence created an immense void, and Vernon, left to navigate life without his lifelong partner, found himself grappling with deep grief. The pain of losing Gladys was immense, and for two years, Vernon lived as a widower, his world irrevocably changed.
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A Whirlwind Romance: Love at First Sight
It was amidst this period of profound loss that Vernon Presley met Davada "Dee" Stanley. Their encounter occurred while Elvis was serving in West Germany with the Third Armoured Division. Dee Stanley was also in West Germany at the time, married to Billy Stanley. Despite the circumstances, a powerful connection formed between Vernon and Dee. As Dee herself recounted, "it was love at first sight." This immediate spark, seemingly defying the recent tragedy that had befallen Vernon, led to a swift and intense courtship. The emotional vulnerability following Gladys's death, coupled with the unexpected connection with Dee, paved the way for a new relationship to blossom.
The speed at which their romance developed might have seemed surprising to outsiders, given the recent passing of Gladys. Yet, for Vernon, Dee offered companionship and perhaps a way to navigate the immense loneliness he felt. Their shared experiences and mutual attraction quickly deepened, leading them towards a future together that would inevitably intertwine with the life of the world's biggest music star.
The Marriage to Vernon Presley and Life at Graceland
Just two years after Gladys's passing, Vernon Presley married Dee Stanley on July 3, 1960, in Montgomery, Alabama. This was Vernon's second marriage, a significant event that altered the course of his life and, by extension, Elvis's. The union brought Dee and her three sons from her previous marriage – Billy, Rick, and David Stanley – into the Presley family fold. This sudden expansion of the family unit, especially the introduction of new step-siblings, was a major adjustment for everyone involved, particularly for Elvis, who had always been accustomed to a very tight-knit core family.
A New Family Dynamic
With Dee becoming Vernon Presley's second wife, a new family dynamic was established. Dee was now the stepmother of Elvis, a role that came with immense scrutiny and expectations, given Elvis's global superstar status. Her three sons became Elvis's stepbrothers, and they would later become part of Elvis's inner circle, often referred to as the "Memphis Mafia." This integration of Dee's children into the Presley household meant a significant shift in the daily life at Graceland, transforming it from a private sanctuary into a more bustling family home.
The Graceland Residence
Following their marriage, Vernon and Dee moved into a home together on the Graceland estate. This decision meant that Dee and her sons were living in close proximity to Elvis, sharing the iconic grounds that had become synonymous with his fame. While it offered convenience and a sense of family unity, it also placed Dee directly within the orbit of Elvis's intense celebrity. The move to Graceland symbolized the official beginning of Dee's life as Vernon Presley's second wife and her immersion into the unique world of the Presley family, a world unlike any other.
Dee Stanley as Elvis' Stepmother: A Strained Relationship
The relationship between Dee Stanley and Elvis Presley was, by many accounts, fraught with tension and eventually characterized by "hatred and distrust." While Dee became Vernon Presley's second wife, her connection with Elvis never truly blossomed into a warm, familial bond. This strain was a significant aspect of the Presley family's internal dynamics during the years of Vernon and Dee's marriage. The public image of Elvis was carefully managed, but behind the scenes, personal relationships, especially those impacting his father, were deeply felt.
The Roots of Distrust
The precise reasons for the animosity between Elvis and his stepmother are complex. It's plausible that Elvis, still grieving the loss of his mother Gladys, found it difficult to fully accept a new woman in his father's life, especially one who quickly moved into their family home at Graceland. The suddenness of Vernon's second marriage, just two years after Gladys's death, may have contributed to Elvis's reluctance to embrace Dee. Furthermore, Elvis had always maintained an exceptionally close relationship with his father, Vernon, and any perceived threat to that bond or the memory of his mother could have fueled his resentment towards Dee Stanley.
Controversial Claims and Scandalous Books
The relationship deteriorated further after Elvis's death. Dee Stanley wrote "scandalous books" about Elvis, making sensational claims, including that he had a gay relationship. These publications were highly controversial and deeply upsetting to Elvis's fans and those who knew him well. Such claims, made by someone who was Vernon Presley's second wife and Elvis's stepmother, were seen by many as a betrayal and a desperate attempt to profit from the King's legacy. It was these actions that solidified the "hatred and distrust" that Elvis reportedly harbored towards her, a sentiment that continued even after his passing, as her writings sought to redefine his public image in a highly contentious manner.
The Dissolution of the Marriage and Vernon's Final Years
The marriage between Vernon Presley and Dee Stanley, which began in 1960, lasted for seventeen years before it ultimately dissolved. Dee Stanley divorced Elvis's father in 1977. This divorce occurred just months before Elvis's own untimely death in August 1977, adding another layer of personal turmoil to an already tumultuous period for the Presley family. The end of their marriage marked the official conclusion of Dee Stanley's role as Vernon Presley's second wife, though her connection to the family's history would remain.
Vernon Presley himself faced further heartbreak and health challenges in the years following the divorce and Elvis's death. He died when he was just 63 years old due to a heart attack in June 1979. His passing meant the loss of another central figure in Elvis's life, and for many fans, it signified the end of an era for the immediate Presley family. Vernon had been a constant presence, a steadying force in Elvis's life, and his death left a profound void. Dee Stanley, who had been Vernon Presley's second wife for nearly two decades, outlived him by many years, continuing to live in Nashville, Tennessee, until her own passing at the age of 88.
The Legacy of Dee Stanley Presley
Davada 'Dee' Stanley Presley's legacy is undeniably complex and often controversial. As Vernon Presley's second wife, she held a unique position within the inner circle of the most famous entertainer in the world. Her presence in Graceland, her role as stepmother to Elvis, and the integration of her own sons into the Presley household all contributed to a significant chapter in the family's history. For many of Elvis's hundreds of millions of fans, however, Dee Stanley is primarily remembered for the "scandalous books" she wrote after Elvis's death. These books, which made sensational claims about Elvis's private life, including his sexuality, generated immense backlash and cemented a negative perception among a large segment of the fanbase.
Her narrative, while providing an insider's perspective, was often seen as exploitative and disrespectful to Elvis's memory. Despite the controversy, her story remains an integral part of the larger Presley saga, illustrating the challenges and complexities faced by those intimately connected to global superstardom. Her life, from her marriage to Vernon to her later literary endeavors, highlights the enduring fascination with the Presley family and the various perspectives that emerged from within its orbit.
Vernon Presley's Enduring Legacy
While Dee Stanley played a significant role as Vernon Presley's second wife, Vernon's own legacy is primarily defined by his unwavering devotion to his son, Elvis, and his enduring love for Gladys. Vernon was the bedrock of Elvis's life, from his humble beginnings in Tupelo to the dizzying heights of global fame. He managed Elvis's finances, provided emotional support, and remained a constant presence in his son's life until his own death. The bond between Vernon and Elvis was exceptionally strong, forged through shared struggles and triumphs.
Vernon's life, marked by both profound love and deep loss, paints a picture of a man who navigated immense personal grief while supporting his extraordinarily famous son. His marriage to Dee Stanley was a chapter in this larger narrative, a period of seeking companionship after the devastating loss of Gladys. Ultimately, Vernon Presley is remembered not for his second marriage, but for his role as the father of the King, a quiet, steadfast man who stood by his son through everything, leaving behind an indelible mark on the history of rock and roll.
The story of Vernon Presley's second wife, Dee Stanley, is a fascinating, albeit often contentious, footnote in the sprawling narrative of the Presley family. It underscores the profound impact of loss, the complexities of new relationships, and the enduring challenges faced by those living in the shadow of unparalleled fame. We hope this article has provided a comprehensive and insightful look into this significant period in the life of Vernon Presley and the woman who became his second wife. What are your thoughts on Dee Stanley's role in the Presley family? Share your comments below, and don't forget to explore our other articles on the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley and his family.
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