About Sally Hoedel

“Since the continuous flood of books on Elvis written since his passing, I chose to stop reading them long ago, save several such as Allana Nash, Peter Guralnick and a few others. The book by Elaine Dundy, a dear friend, stands out from the crowd; her style, intelligence, and extensive research remind me of you and what you have accomplished with your book.  Grappling with and creating a wholistic picture of one such as Elvis Presley is no small task, and you have made a meticulous and intelligently crafted contribution.

Many have tried, but your work is shining!  Frida Kahlo once wrote, “I paint flowers so they won’t die” – so too, your wonderfully well-rounded book will remain as a seminal addition to the story of Elvis Presley, eclipsing most of the others. “

– Larry Geller, Elvis Presley’s personal hairstylist, friend and spiritual mentor

“It comes through that this was a labor of love for you and I’m certain that your vast research and well-written, revealing story will be a lasting piece of history…one that will change Elvis’ legacy and life story and will restore his true heart & soul to that of the sweet kid from Tupelo who dreamed big dreams but always put others dreams ahead of his own. I’m pretty sure he was guiding you from above to help set his story straight so his life would continue to help others avoid his mistakes, and to continue to impact lives so others will find a way to always hold on to the best part of themselves…and perhaps model themselves in his humility, generosity, loyalty, faith, forgiveness, kindness and love. That is a life well-lived, and a story well-told.”

-Lori Bosch, Editor

“Seekers of the truth! If you always thought there was more to the story of Elvis Presley, the man, this is the book for you. Written not just for the casual fan, but also those who consider themselves experts, Destined to Die Young contains surprising and little known facts about the family, friends, lifestyle and life-long health of the man who changed pop culture forever. Each page gives a unique and in-depth look into what made Elvis – Elvis. Author Sally Hoedel does not deny that Elvis abused prescription medications, but upon delving into this fascinating page turner, you will understand the many contributing factors of the king’s early demise, and why the medications are only a portion of the full picture. Elvis is humanized in an endearing, respectful, fascinating way and the story is told as only a true fan could tell it.”

– Krista Joy,  Founder of TCBRadioNetwork.com

“If you have ever read or watched anything about the life of Elvis Presley and thought to yourself…there must be more to his story…this book is for you!! Destined to Die Young will open your eyes to see just what it really was like to be the King of Rock & Roll! Author Sally Hoedel pulls back the curtain of Elvis’s family history and reveals the one underlying motivation for his life. This is a fresh and respectful presentation of the Elvis Presley story, fueled by an in-depth look at the health issues he inherited from his blood-line, which in turn, contributed greatly to some of his abuses, and ultimately led to his early death. Sally Hoedel is a true Elvis fan herself and does a wonderful job of ‘humanizing’ Elvis while creating a whole new understanding and respect for him, BECAUSE of what you didn’t know, that you didn’t know! An absolutely fascinating and enjoyable read, which presents a unique and loving look at how we lost a wonderful entertainer/father/son/husband who gave HIS all, just to make OTHERS happy!”

– Peter Alden, Elvis Historian, Co-Host at TCB Radio Network

“This book is by far the furthest thing from a tell-all you can get. I’ve read over 600 books while researching and studying Elvis. This fast shot up to most likely the best book I’ve read for factual personal information. This grips you and yes just busted my heart. Sally tells the story of Elvis, his family, his genetics, but oh how it tells you how he loved us, loved his fans, and gave it all right to the last minute of his beautiful life. Don’t deny yourself this fabulous read. Let yourself open up and understand the depths and immeasurable love this man gave with his every bit of being.”

– Mary DeBacco Hertweck – Elvis Fan

“Run, don’t walk, and immerse yourself in a truth that begs to be listened to. I can’t praise this revelation highly enough! For those of us long-time Presley fans who always felt we were missing pieces to the story we thought we knew, Sally has brilliantly and systematically connected the hereditary and genealogical dots. When much is given, much is required and Elvis distributed both. His ending, while sad, is but more the footnote to a life of bravery, perseverance, and responsibility where gratitude for those gifts was displayed despite the odds. Sally gives the image back his humanity and gives the readers insight into it. Elvis the man is much greater than Elvis the image and we’re thankful to be reminded of it through this wonderful book.”

– Janet Bostic – Admin for Largest Elvis Facebook Group

“I just completed reading your wonderful book, and I want you to know that I will be placing it at the top of the list of my favorite Elvis books!  I really appreciate the research you did in order to assemble this believable story about E’s health. What I think is amazing is that you appear to be the first one to write it! People have known for years that his grandparents were cousins, and it seems to me that that should have been the first clue of trouble. Congratulations to you! I really hope all fans buy the book—I am so glad that I did.”

– Joyce Stibal – Elvis Fan Since 1955

“I thoroughly enjoyed Destined to Die Young. Its mix of contextual Elvis biography and exploration of the disparate, but interlocking, factors contributing to his premature death are eruditely expressed by Sally Hoedel. The reader is engaged from the book’s opening paragraphs and led through a balanced examination of those causes. While there is necessarily some technical discussion, the book is still very accessible for non-technical readers. Destined to Die Young is not only an interesting and well-argued narrative, but also an important one due to its contribution to our understanding of the genetic forces that influenced Elvis’ life, and death.”

– Nigel Patterson of the Elvis Information Network

“I hope that Elvis fans and non-Elvis fans will read this book. Your book is literally eye-opening. From page one, you explain in great detail about Elvis, the human being!! Elvis: Destined to Die Young is an extraordinary explanation of the problems Elvis experienced because of a genetically imperfect body. Such information sheds new light on the reasons Elvis needed medications to live, not just for recreation. This book proves that Elvis died as a result of a failing body, not a drug overdose. I would recommend anyone to read this book. Especially those who don’t know and understand Elvis’ complex and flawed bodily systems. This book is well researched and backed by facts from those closest to Elvis. Well worth your time to read Elvis: Destined to Die Young.”

– Meka Matthews – Elvis Fan

“Wow! I couldn’t put it down!! This book looks at the death of Elvis Presley from a whole different perspective! It really delves into the family history regarding the health of the Presleys.  If you’re an Elvis fan, do yourself a favor and get this book!  If you’re not an Elvis fan, do yourself a favor and get this book!  It will help you understand why he was, and still is The King! Thank you, Sally!”

– Nina Buckles – Elvis Fan

“Finally, a clear and concise assessment of how and why Elvis died at such a young age. The standard narrative doesn’t hold water especially after reading this book. Sally did an outstanding job at presenting new facts. It’s easy to see that a tremendous amount of research went into this book. I highly recommend it. Elvis deserves to have his legacy preserved accurately, and Sally does just that!”

– Rob Robinson – Musician

“This compassionate look at Elvis through Hoedel’s lens shows that Elvis’ pain due to multiple health issues was at the root of his prescription drug use. It paints a broader image of the man himself and gives his fans a breather from the media’s assumption that he was simply a victim of prescription drug abuse. I believe the author captured the essence of Elvis’ psychology and his drive to provide despite his physical limitations. I hope you will read this book. It is a sensitive look at a man who has been scrutinized from every possible angle in order to diminish him. Let the takeaway be a deeper understanding for the trailblazing entertainer who was so popular he was known the world over by his first name only. God bless his legacy and kudos to Sally A. Hoedel for restoring his good name.”

–  Janice Fadal – Elvis Author and Daughter of Eddie Fadal