The Funeral Elvis Chose Over His Own Family Tragedy — Ginger Alden Reveals a Side of The King Fans Never Knew
For decades, the world has heard countless stories about Elvis Presley’s fame, fortune, and struggles. But hidden behind the headlines is a remarkable chapter that reveals a completely different side of the King of Rock and Roll—one that many fans have never truly seen.
In Chapter 13 of Elvis and Ginger, Ginger Alden shares a deeply emotional account that challenges the popular image of Elvis as a distant superstar trapped inside his own celebrity. Instead, she paints a portrait of a compassionate, devoted man who went to extraordinary lengths to comfort the woman he loved during one of the most painful moments of her life.
As Elvis embarked on his December 1976 tour, Ginger says he appeared happier, healthier, and more energized than he had in months. He immersed himself in spiritual studies, expanded his knowledge through constant learning, and delivered performances that left audiences stunned. During concerts, he performed emotional songs like Unchained Melody and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, dedicating them directly to Ginger in front of thousands of fans.
But behind the excitement of the tour, tragedy was quietly approaching.
While traveling with Elvis, Ginger received devastating news. Her beloved grandfather, Alonzo Alden, had passed away. Overwhelmed with grief, she feared facing the loss while still on the road. According to Ginger, Elvis immediately stepped in, offering comfort and support. He personally called her mother and insisted that Alonzo receive the finest funeral possible.
What happened next may be one of the most astonishing acts of kindness ever described in an Elvis memoir.
As a massive snow and ice storm crippled Memphis and Arkansas, attending the funeral seemed nearly impossible. Roads were dangerous. Flights were uncertain. Most people would have accepted defeat.
Elvis Presley refused.
According to Ginger, Elvis declared that he would find a way to get her to the funeral no matter what. He arranged transportation, mobilized his entourage, coordinated aircraft, and even had local law enforcement escort Ginger and her family through the dangerous weather conditions.
Then came the revelation that leaves many readers speechless.
During the trip, Elvis reportedly revealed that his own beloved cousin, Bobbye Jean, had died around the same time as Ginger’s grandfather. Yet Elvis never spoke of his own grief. Instead, he chose to attend Alonzo’s funeral and focus entirely on supporting Ginger and her family.
Think about that for a moment.
One of the most famous men on Earth, exhausted after a demanding tour and dealing with a personal family loss of his own, battled severe winter weather, chartered additional aircraft, and traveled hundreds of miles simply to stand beside the woman he loved as she said goodbye to her grandfather.
At the small Arkansas church, Elvis quietly joined in singing How Great Thou Art, helping create a moment that Ginger says she would never forget. He spoke warmly with relatives, comforted family members, and reminded many present not of a global superstar, but of a humble Southern man who understood loss and family.
For Ginger, this journey became one of the defining moments of their relationship. For readers, it offers a powerful glimpse into a side of Elvis Presley that rarely makes the headlines—a man capable of extraordinary generosity, loyalty, and compassion.
And perhaps most surprising of all, this chapter suggests that some of Elvis Presley’s greatest performances were not delivered on stage before thousands of screaming fans.
They were performed quietly, in moments of kindness, when no spotlight was shining at all.
