Linda Thompson, a multifaceted individual, was born in the vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee. Her academic journey began at Kingsbury High School, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen, setting the stage for her future accomplishments. Subsequently, she attended Memphis State University for four years, pursuing majors in English and Drama.
Throughout her college tenure, Linda's impressive collection of titles included Miss Tennessee Universe 1972, Miss Liberty Bowl, Miss Shelby County, and numerous other accolades that significantly contributed to her financial support during her academic years. This remarkable string of achievements not only enhanced her self-confidence but also served as a springboard for her future endeavors.
In July 1972, Linda's life took an extraordinary turn when she met the legendary Elvis Presley. Their relationship, which spanned four and a half years, was a defining period in her life. After their separation, Linda embarked on a successful acting career, appearing in various TV series, including Aaron Spelling's productions, as well as several TV pilots and other shows. Her tenure as a series regular on Hee Haw for 15 years was a testament to her talent and dedication.
Beyond her acting career, Linda's passion for poetry led her to become an award-winning lyricist. Her impressive repertoire earned her an Emmy, and she was also nominated for an Academy Award and a Grammy. This remarkable feat further solidified her position as a multifaceted artist.
Linda's personal life was marked by two significant marriages. Her first marriage to Bruce Jenner, now known as Caitlyn Jenner, resulted in the birth of two sons. For 32 years, Linda maintained the secret of Caitlyn's gender identity, only revealing it after Caitlyn publicly came out. This extraordinary story was later immortalized in Linda's New York Times best-selling memoir, A Little Thing Called Life, which received widespread critical acclaim for its kindness, sincerity, and fascination.
Linda's second marriage, to the renowned music producer David Foster, lasted for 19 years before the couple divorced in 2005. Today, Linda continues to write and resides quietly in Malibu, California, surrounded by her two dogs. Her leisure activities include tennis, hiking, beachcombing, and most importantly, cherishing time with her family.
