Elvis Presley's private nurse has released a book about her life around him and his family. It's been nearly 40 years since Presley died and Letetia Henley Kirk, 73, who worked with him for more than ten years, is finally breaking her silence about their time spent, according to The Jackson Sun. Kirk lived on the grounds of Graceland, Presley's Memphis home, with her husband and their two daughters from 1972 to 1983. She often even traveled with Preseley while he was on tour. Now, she wants the world to know all about her time with the musical legend.
The self-published book, "Taking Care of Elvis - Memories with Elvis as His Private Nurse and Friend," is made up of several short stories and will even include previously unpublished photos.
"He was not only my patient but a good friend," Kirk said. "I realized how hungry the fans are for stories about what life was like during a normal day at Graceland. 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."
After working and connecting with him for several years, Kirk still remembers everything about the day he passed at age 42 on August 16, 1977.
"I was in total disbelief," she explained. "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."
This week is considered "Elvis Week" as fans honor the legendary singer and how he transformed the way we listen to music, according to Huffington Post.
"Elvis Presley's death deprives our country of a part of itself," President Jimmy Carter wrote at the time of the singer's passing. "He was unique and irreplaceable. His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture."
Writing the book helped Kirk cope with his death and she relied on these stories to keep her spirits lifted.
"Elvis was extremely generous and just loved to make people happy," she said. "I was a very blessed country girl."
The 160-page soft-cover book was released today and is selling for $30. You can receive one yourself by contacting Kirk at tishsupernurse@gmail.com.
