This is the sometimes heartbreaking and always inspirational story of Priscilla Presley’s life during her time with Elvis and after. Priscilla has always intrigued me with her quiet presence and resilience as she lived her life in front of the whole world. In this deeply personal memoir she opens up her heart to readers and gives the tender account of her journey through life, love, and loss.

The audio narration is wonderfully performed by Priscilla herself and she reads vibrantly and thoughtfully.

Thank you Netgalley, Hachette Audio, and the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available to readers on September 23, 2025

I was really pleased to read this second memoir from Priscilla Presley as it focused so much more on her life and personhood independent of Elvis. Yes to be sure, The King was there in influence and anecdotes but this memoir really provided a bigger picture of the woman she has been in the wake of Elvis and was really well written. And of course, there is good tea. I loved that the audio book is narrated by her and she sounds so young and vibrant!

Softly, As I Leave You is an absolutely stunning memoir that left me both heartbroken and inspired. Priscilla Presley’s story is so much more than a peek behind the curtain of life with Elvis, it’s a deeply personal journey of love, loss, survival, and rediscovering who you are outside of someone else’s shadow. Reading about her courage to walk away from the man the world adored, all while carving out her own identity and protecting her daughter, was moving beyond words.

I was especially touched by the way she shared her grief after Elvis’s passing, and how her love for him endured in such a tender, human way. Priscilla doesn’t shy away from the pain of devastating losses, yet she also shows the strength of starting over, again and again, with grace, dignity, and determination.

The audio narration added an incredible layer of intimacy. Hearing Priscilla tell her own story in her own voice made it feel like she was sitting across from me, sharing her memories and her heart. Her narration was fantastic, steady, emotional, and authentic.

This memoir is powerful, raw, and deeply comforting for anyone who has experienced loss or struggled to find themselves. I can’t recommend it enough.