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WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE HERE!
The PROJECT is dedicated to the memory of Elvis Presley and devoted to his 'LOVE CHILDREN'. Here you will meet some of them and be enchanted by Elvis' first born son, John Dennis Smith Presley.
Imagine, a little boy, growing up knowing he is the son of one of the most famous people of the Twentieth Century, yet unable to even mention it without being ridiculed and laughed at. John's pedigree is indisputable, with a history of total involvement with the Presley family. Adopted when he is only sixteen months old by Ira Dee Smith, half brother of Elvis' mother Gladys and growing up with inclusion in the entire Elvis Presley phenomena.
Modern forensic technology, such as DNA, unavailable to children like John until recently, makes it possible for them to prove their lawful relationship to their birth parents. In many of these situations these parents are uncommonly special people. We at THE PRESLEY HERITAGE PROJECT, LLC are interested in and prepared to share what we have learned with other individuals who are in this same predicament. We at the PRESLEY HERITAGE PROJECT, LLC are so committed to assist some of these people, that we are offering to share John's DNA with them in order to confirm or deny a family connection.
Join us as we explore the incredible story of John's life, growing up in the shadow of unimaginable excitement and fame.
WHO IS JOHN SMITH PRESLEY?
Elvis Presley fulfilled his military obligation during the years 1959 to 1960, he completed his 18-month stint lin Germany and arrived home in March of 1960. He was honorably discharged from active duty on March 5, 1960. Colonel Parker didn't give Elvis even a short break and walked him into an overloaded work schedule, within days of re-entering civilian life. Zona Marie, a beautiful brunet nursing student from Louisiana, arrived early to one of Elvis' first live concerts upon returning from Germany. She was early enough that she landed a seat in the second row, right at center stage. Elvis admitted he spotted the beautiful girl dressed in white leather, about half way through the show. He instructed one of his support people to approach her after the venue began emptying. The Louisiana girl thought she was dreaming when the man politely spoke. "Elvis asked if you would like to have a drink with him." Zona's life would never be the same, after she answered "I would very much like to have a drink with Mr Presley."
According to Paul Reginald Graziosi's book THE SECOND COMING OF ELVIS, in early November of 1960 Elvis and Marie meet in a secluded cabin, owned by Elvis' jeweler's cousin, Tommy Opeck. There, on a secluded lake the two lovers spend three very memorable days completely oblivious to the outside world.
A few months into 1961 Zona Marie makes a call to the Star's private phone, informing him she is pregnant. On July 3, 1961, in room #121 of Hidalgo County Hospital in Edinburg, Texas she gives birth to a premature baby boy. In spite of being premature and under weight, John Dennis entered the world. From this less than normal beginning, John has proven he is a survivor.
When John Dennis was sixteen months old, it became clear Zona Marie was not going to be capable of caring for John or her two daughters from a previous marriage. Elvis' phenomenal career was exploding, that with his personal life situation made it impossible for him to personally care for John. Nevertheless, Elvis Aron Presley stepped up and offered a solution that met no resistance from Zona Marie. Elvis arranged to have his Aunt and Uncle (also John's great Aunt and Uncle) adopt John Dennis and his two older half sisters. Elvis' mother Gladys Love Smith Presley's brother Ira D. Smith and his wife Etta Smith, adopted all three children, offering them a stable, upper middle class, good Christian home.
John's Mother Zona Marie and Priscilla in the early 70's. Elvis kept his children and their mother's close.