Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
In a treat for Elvis Presley fans and historians alike, Linda Thompson—former Miss Tennessee, actress, and longtime girlfriend of “The King”—recently unveiled a collection of never-before-seen photographs of Graceland’s iconic Jungle Room. Taken during her time living with Elvis at his famed estate, the images offer fresh glimpses into one of the musician’s most celebrated and idiosyncratic spaces. parade.com+2Yahoo Lifestyle+2
Background: Linda Thompson & Graceland
Linda Thompson was in a relationship with Elvis Presley from 1972 to 1976, during which period she resided part-time at the Graceland estate. Her deep familiarity with the house, and in particular its most eccentric features, gives her current revelations a level of authenticity and intimacy that fans find especially compelling. Daily Express US+2Yahoo Lifestyle+2
The Jungle Room, located in the downstairs section of Graceland, has long fascinated Beatles-era rock devotees and architecture enthusiasts alike. With its distinctive tropical theme—complete with shag-carpeted ceiling, Polynesian decor, unusual woodwork, and exotic motifs—it stands out among Elvis’s other rooms as especially bold and personal. Historically, it has been used by Presley as an informal gathering space, recording studio, and area for relaxation. (Thompson contributed to the décor enhancements during her time at Graceland.) Daily Express US+2Yahoo Lifestyle+2
What’s New: The Photos Revealed
In her recent post, Thompson shared several images she says have never been publicly seen before. Among the highlights:
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Moments of her own life in the Jungle Room—Thompson captured not just the room itself, but how it looked during her time there, showing personal touches in furnishings, color, lighting, and layout. Yahoo+2parade.com+2
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“Then and Now” comparison shots showing how much the room has changed—or remains the same—over the decades. Yahoo Lifestyle+1
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Details of decorative elements perhaps less often photographed: certain furniture, the fur-coated chair that has become emblematic of the room, wall artworks, drapery, and other intimate design elements. parade.com+2Yahoo Lifestyle+2
Significance & Reactions
These photos are more than just nostalgia. They offer:
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Historical insight — They provide concrete visuals of how Elvis lived, how he curated his private spaces, and how his relationships (in this case with Thompson) might have influenced his living environment.
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Preservation & interpretation — For those responsible for preserving Graceland as a historical site, such images help validate or correct what restorations do (or do not) reflect original states. It’s useful for understanding wear, modifications, or lost elements.
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Personal narrative — Fans gain a more humanized, less mythologized view of Elvis. We see not just the star, but one of his homes through the eyes of someone who shared day-to-day life with him.
Reactions among fans have been mostly enthusiastic. Many express gratitude to Thompson for sharing material that had been long unseen or presumed lost or private. The photos are being treated almost like archaeological finds in popular culture—small pieces of the larger puzzle that is Elvis’s life and legacy. parade.com+1
Some Details & Clarifications
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Linda Thompson noted in her captions that some of the photos were new even to her—images she had not seen before, which makes their preservation intriguing. Daily Express US+1
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The reveal comes at a time when Elvis Week is ongoing (or near), a period during which interest in his life, memorabilia, and home is particularly high. parade.com+1
Conclusion
The release of these unseen Jungle Room photographs adds fresh texture to the enduring legend of Elvis Presley. They not only deepen our understanding of his personal taste and private life but also reinforce Graceland’s role as more than a museum—it remains a home in memory, style, and lived experience. For fans, historians, and design aficionados, these are compelling new windows into the world of Elvis, seen through the lens of someone who shared it with him.