Elvis - A Lighted Candle

[ALNA]

Perhaps you might like to read this live chat with Elvis ex sister in law


Part 1 of Michelle Beaulieu Hovey Chat

Q: I heard you in August and really enjoyed hearing about the artifacts you had found. What other artifacts have you run across that we are not aware of?

A: There are a lot of artifacts from the Palm Springs era that are in the archival process. So we are looking forward to every box we open.We believe some of the artifacts are from the home in Los Angeles. They are more personal items - some of his cigars, games, toys - those are the kinds of things that will be in those boxes. - Michelle



Q: I am wondering if there are any plans to do Elvis By The Presleys - Part 2, either a DVD or book or both.

A: I agree. I think there should be an Elvis by the Presleys Part 2. And there is certainly enough material and people to tell the stories. Even in talking with my brothers, their viewpoints and experiences at that time are different than mine. - Michelle



Q: Would love to know what are your first and also your last memories of meeting Elvis please?

A: What I remember most when I think back is his kindness and graciousness - he was so polite. When I first met him, I was 6. He got down to my level to say hello. When he met my parents, he was very gracious. The last time I saw him was in Las Vegas - and I introduced Gary, who was my boyfriend at the time. Elvis stood up and came over to shake his hand and make small talk. He was a gentleman - very gracious with his time. - Michelle



Q: Were you at Elvis and Priscilla's wedding in Vegas? If so, do you any memories stand out in your mind?

A: I was the maid of honor at the wedding. I remember all the secret manuevering and all the preparations and the excitement that it generated. Elvis took me aside and thanked me for being the maid of honor and gave me a gift which was a ring. And as he was giving it to me, he was a little nervious, but formal - and it was really cute to see him go along with the wedding formality to make sure everyone was taken care of in regards to gifts. When he gave me the ring, he stuttered a bit and was thanking me for being maid of honor and happy that we were all family. - Michelle



Q: Were there any perks to be Elvis's sister in law? Did you get to go to any of the late night outings or nights at LibertyLand? Did Elvis ever give you a car?

A: I never got a car - but there were a lot of perks. I was able to be behind the scenes and experience the special attention, and excitement and energy that surrounds the whole world of Elvis. Perks were flying alone at 16, first-class and a limo picking me up to spend a visit at Graceland, Vegas or LA. I always had things to look forward to when going to visit them - but then I could go to back to my normal life. - Michelle



Q: In your access to all things Elvis, what did you find that surprised you the most to know that Elvis had kept?

A: When I saw his wallet that was shown in EBTP, I just thought it was so sweet that he had pictures like a normal family man. There were pictures of his family that he would show off to people he met. Why I think that is interesting - he has all these elaborate resources and people to do things for him, but his wallet is something so normal and when you open it up, there are pictures that he cherished and that he showed off, which shows the simple things that were important to him. - Michelle



Q: Did he ever play one on you and if so what was it?
Also, what is your favorite Elvis song?

A: If I Can Dream is my favorite Elvis song. I don't know that he played a practical joke on me, he more or less just affectionally teased me about being 'little sister' and being a little flower child. - Michelle



Q: What is your favorite memory of your time with Elvis and your favorite song?

A: When I got older and he would start reading spiritual passages and we would get into long talks about spirituality. I felt that was a really cool connection since he and I were interested in the same things at the time. I felt that we had something in common with our personal beliefs. - Michelle



Q: It was great seeing you at the Insider's Conference last summer. I remember you were wearing a ring Elvis gave you? What else did he give you and what was your favorite? Thanks very much for your time. Crystal

A: There were Christmas gifts and birthday gifts which were many times clothing and accessories, because being a teenager at the time, that is what I wanted. And when we would go visit, he would sign posters and pictures for us - and he would give us any new albums and records. Any personal gifts though, it was usually from he and Priscilla. - Michelle



Q: Did Elvis ever sing to you or for you and if so what did he sing especially for you?
If you attended any of Elvis' concerts what is your favorite concert memory?
What is your favorite memory of Graceland when Elvis was alive?
Did Elvis have a nick-name for you?

A: No nickname, but he would sing when I would come into a room "Michelle My Belle." And then sometimes he would begin "Little Sister." That was one of the fun teasing things he would do. The Vegas shows, especially at the beginning, were incredible. It was like I was suspended in air during the whole show. It as also amazing then to be backstage and to share in all the congratulations and admiration that all the different celebrities showed towards Elvis. There was so much goodwill towards Elvis from all the celebrities that came backstage -it was like a lovefest and Elvis was so happy. - Michelle



Q:What was
your favorite time of the year or your most
favorite holiday to spend with Elvis?

A: The summer was my favorite. - Michelle



Q: Just wondering if you join Priscilla & Lisa
at Graceland for Christmasa?What is your best
memory of spending Christmas with Elvis and
Priscilla.

A:Christmas at Graceland is a very special time. It has really been sweet that Lisa still has a place to go back to and relive all those moments and all the things she did with her Dad. - Michelle



Q: When was the first time you visited Graceland? How old were you when Priscilla moved to Graceland? What is your fondest memory of Elvis? Do you still visit Graceland regularly?

A: When Priscilla and Elvis were married was the first time I visited. I am there in Memphis at least twice a year if not more. As part of the archives team, I am constantly in contact with the staff at Graceland. Lately I have been coming with Lisa, Priscilla and our families quite a bit which has been really, really special. - Michelle



Q: DO YOU THINK YOU WILL BE MAKING ANYMORE TRIPS TO GRACELAND DURING EW OR BW?

A: I hope to. - Michelle



Part 2

Q: My question is, did Elvis ever offer a comment, or piece of advice that was important to you and that has stayed with you all these years? And if so, if it's not too personal, what was it?

A: Save yourself for marriage! - Michelle



Q: Many of us have been wondering, particularly since the title was "Elvis by the PRESLEYS", why more of Elvis' family weren't included- namely Billy Smith and his wife Jo. Patsy was the only true "Presley", outside of Lisa Marie. (The story really was "Elvis by the Beaulieus".)

A: That's one of the reasons we need an EBTP 2! - Michelle



Q: Hi Michelle, I'm going to ask a question that maybe you don't wish to answer, but here goes:
Since there's hardly a woman who gets to know even a little bit about Elvis, who doesn't fancy him in some way, were you ever jealous of your big sister as Elvis' girlfriend?

A: I looked up to Priscilla and was never in a competitve relationship because of the age difference. I looked up to both of them - she was my big sister and he was her husband. I thought they were beautiful together and was so happy for them. He was beautiful and gorgeous though. - Michelle



Q:Hi Michelle. Thanks for taking some time to answer questions from all of us. I was wondering what your reacton was when you found out about Elvis and Priscilla's divorce? And did you see it coming or were you surprised?

A:It was so sad and no we didn't see it coming. - Michelle



Q: I was hoping you could please share a few of your top favorite memories of Elvis with his daughter. We've all heard about stories like how he would buy extraordinary things for such a young child, or Lisa driving the golf carts around Graceland, but could you please tell of something new? Something that even Elvis Insiders don't know yet!

I am really appreciative for whatever really great memories you have of Elvis in any situation or mood with Lisa. Anything you could share would be great!

A: When I spent time with them one summer and they were living at the Hillcrest house. I slept in the room that Lisa was in. Elvis would tip-toe in and check on her. And even though he was really quiet, he would keep patting her, checking on her and tucking her in until she would finally wake up. It was like he wanted her to wake up so he would pick her up and hold her. - Michelle



Q: I was wondering, if Elvis was still here with us today, do you think he and Cilla would have gotten back together? I know he loved her and she still loves him.

A: I think they would definitely have a loving relationship and I think they would really be there for each other. - Michelle



Q: My question is.. what is your favorite room in Graceland, and what room do you have the most memories in.. Also when you visist Graceland today is there any particular room that you feel Elvis in as soon as you walk into it?

A: I actually love the outside of Graceland. I feel closest to Elvis when I am out by the horses. I was recently standing out back and felt a breeze and it was really comforting. I said to myself "hello Elvis" and found it very amusing. -- Michelle



Q: Did Elvis discuss his religious beliefs with you? What was your favorite gospel song that Elvis performed?

A: A religous experience to me was, and still is, hearing Elvis sing How Great Thou Art. We had a lot of talks about religion. He would start off wanting to guide me on bible verses, but then we would always end up in a discussion on a deeper level. - Michelle



Q: Is it true that Gary will be losing his job at EPE?

A: He better not be! (laughs) No he is not. He is important to Lisa and the family on both personal and business levels. Sometimes I think he is like "the godfather." (laughs)
Gary will always protect and preserve Elvis's legacy as well as Lisa's because a lot of what he does is a labor of love. Michelle

[maia]

A good interview! I have always liked Michele.

[Rainbow Light]

This is a very interesting and informative interview with Michelle.

[ALNA]

I also like her, she looks a very balanced and calm lady.

Not always busy with her hair and giggeling like a 12 year old teenager, like her big sister.

Does anyone know if she also has kids. It seems that she is married alreaddy a long time with that guy, she presented him towards Elvis, so they are together alreaddy 30 years or more.

[Rainbow Light]

Not sure, anyone know anything? .... Sue

[maia]

She must have at least one, as I have some photos of her and Lisa pregnant at the same time! (Tummies proudly displayed!)

Here's the photo: Lisa pregnant with Riley, Michelle and Pris' sister-in-law, Kathy, apparently pregnant as well!

[Wanda June Hill]

That was a good interview-first one I ever read from her. Elvis liked her, depended on her telling him about his baby after Pris left...and before the separation papers were rewritten... from what he was so upset over was the fact he wasn't "supposed to be around the residence where she and Lisa were (their home in LA) and he wasn't to see his baby except on certain weekends if he wasn't working etc;...lawer legal stuff that's pretty standard with kids and if there is a "chance for problems with the future ex-husband/father etc:" I've typed up many of those things-it's pretty standard but Elvis didn't know that and he was scared. He was devastated that he couldn't be with Lisa, know she was there at home and he could go there to be with her. All the memories of her as a baby etc; were at that house and Graceland
but mostly LA because that's where they lived as a family early on. I tried to tell him it would change, that the first forms were standard stuff not written in just for him etc; and he listened but he was shaking and he was hardly able to talk for stuttering and stammering he was so scared, upset and hurt too. I so wished that time that I could have just taken him in my arms and held him because he was like a heartbroken little child and sounded so innocent and hurt. And then that same time he said, "It was my fault, god it was my fault, myfault" over and over, snubbing like a child... Well, time to stop this, I don't want to cry now! sorry. Anyway, at least he had Michele who was a regular, normal young woman living in the world and able to appreciate what she had and saw. wjh

[Rainbow Light]

Great photo of Lisa, Michelle and Kathy with their respective baby bumps!