Elvis Presley’s former nurse, Letetia Henley Kirk, will release a memoir documenting her experiences with the rock’n’roll star and his family at Graceland. Entitled Taking Care of Elvis — Memories with Elvis as His Private Nurse and Friend, the self-published book will also include previously unseen photos of the star.
Kirk, from West Tennessee, reportedly lived on the grounds of Presley’s longtime Memphis home with her husband and two daughters from 1972 to 1983.
“He was not only my patient but a good friend,” the 73-year-old told the Associated Press.
Kirk said that she had no intentions to pen a book about her time with Presley until she spoke to fans at an event during Elvis Week in August 2014 in Memphis.
“I realised how hungry the fans are for stories about what life was like during a normal day at Graceland,” Kirk explained.
“They already know the stories about drugs and sex and life on the road. They want to know what Elvis was like at Graceland during his private time. That’s what this book is, light-hearted stories of my memories and experiences with Elvis.”
Kirk first met the singer in 1968 at The Medical Group in Memphis where she worked. Presley had attended the clinic for treatment of saddle sores from riding horses, and later became Presley’s regular, on call nurse.
“I was in total disbelief,” Kirk said of the legend’s death in 1977. “I never dreamed something like that would happen. I still get emotional about it, and the book was very hard to write because of that emotional journey.
“Elvis was extremely generous and just loved to make people happy,” she said. “I was a very blessed country girl.”
In other Elvis Presley related news, it was announced last week that a new album will feature the music of the singer, AKA The King, with fresh backing from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is also set to feature additional vocalists, such as Michael Bublé, Il Volo and Duane Eddy.
