This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2022
Offered is a Holy Bible owned and read by Elvis Presley. The Bible was sent to Elvis from a fan in Portland, Oregon in 1976. On the inside front cover she has inscribed a note to Elvis that reads: "July 12, 1976, Dear Mr. Presley, I just wanted to let you know that God loves you. God has put a burden upon my heart for you and I'm praying for you everyday. Your friend, Gloria Carhart." Gloria also included her address and phone numbers--it is unclear whether she was contacted by Elvis.
Elvis later gave the Bible to his aunt Nash Pritchett during one of their Bible study sessions at her home. Nashval Lorene Pritchett was Vernon Presley's sister, and she and Elvis were very close. The Bible shows signs of heavy use, and while there are many passages underlined in the manner normally associated with Elvis' reading habits, a good deal of the wear is obviously from the Pritchett family children. A good many chapter headings are adorned with a small child's drawings of snowmen and the like. Elvis' cousin and Nash's daughter Donna Presley eventually inherited the offered Bible, and her accompanying signed letter reads: "This bible was given to Elvis in July 1976 by Gloria Carhart. Elvis owned many bibles and studied them all. After one of the many bible discussions that Elvis had with my mom, Nash, using this bible, Elvis gave it to my mom. Elvis used many different bibles from King James version to the American Standard, paraphrased along with the living bible and he would always give my mom a copy as well. She often used these in her ministry and them when she passed away the bible became mine. This bible has been in my family for 45 years.
The bible was is indeed a King James version, giant print edition with "words of Christ in red," and was published in 1973 by Thomas Nelson Inc. The leather bound tome measures 6 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches and presents intact but with signed of heavy use. Excellent condition.