Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis

The TV show Dallas, where Priscilla had a key acting role during the 1980s, is a symbol of self-confidence and self-empowerment. When Priscilla first got the part of Jenna Wade on the hit television series, she was nervous “about stepping back into the spotlight” (99). She had only recently begun to establish herself beyond the confines of her relationship with the late Elvis and feared that appearing on such a popular television show would cause her to “los[e] [her] anonymity again” (99). However, Priscilla had a much more positive experience on the show than expected. She was delighted by her directors, producers, and cast members, all of whom respected her. She felt confident and creative in the role of Jenna Wade. Playing the part helped her access new parts of herself and explore previously hidden talent.

For Priscilla, the Scientology belief system is a symbol of comfort, connection, and healing. Priscilla turned to the Church of Scientology in the wake of Elvis’s death. Overcome by grief and despair, Priscilla was searching for answers. Scientology’s central philosophies offered guidance through her sorrow and helped her feel in control of her life again. Priscilla acknowledges the many negative details that have emerged about the organization, but holds that joining the community was meaningful to her as a young woman. She once hoped its ideals “would help the world” (199), but left the Church after it demanded she distance herself from her daughter and parents. Nevertheless, Priscilla doesn’t disparage the organization, which implies that she still affirms Scientology for the help it gave her when she was most alone.