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Concert of the Millennium

© June Moore

Meet Donna Presley Early, author, singer, concert promoter, and first cousin of Elvis Presley.

Elvis and Donna both grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi. Donna was the daughter of Earl Pritchett, and Nasval, "Aunt Nash" Presley. Their grandmother was Minnie Mae Hood, who was given the nickname of "Dodger" by Elvis, when he was only five years old. It seems he threw a baseball in a fit of anger barely missing his grandmothers head.

As a teenager Donna spent summers at Graceland. It was there she became friends with Priscilla and met Buddy Early, whom she later married.

Buddy's now a Private Investigator and civil process server, while Donna has recently published, "The Presley Family & Friends Cookbook", and "Elvis:Precious Memories."

Donna and Buddy's up-coming "Concert of the Millennium for the Artist of the Century" promises to be sensational. Headlined by Darren Lee and Bobby Curtola, it takes place January 8, 2000 in Hamilton, Ontario. Proceeds will go to The Elvis Presley Trauma Center and the Hamilton Burn Unit.

I caught up with Donna and Buddy recently as they were busily preparing for the big, birthday bash.

June: Elvis fans all over the world would like to thank you for helping keep Elvis' memory strong, through concerts and Elvis conventions.

Donna: Elvis touched millions of lives all over the world with his tremendous talent but he also touched their hearts by his love of the Lord and helped his fellow man. We do what we can to keep family values alive and to continue Elvis' legacy of love and sharing.

June: Who will the featured performers in your "Concert of the Millennium" ?

Donna: Darren Lee - Elvis #1 tribute artist worldwide. Bobby Curtola - Canada's Rock & Roll Legend. Don Thompson - Garth Brooks tribute artist. Buddy Early and yours truly Donna Presley Early.

June: What are a few of the highlights we can expect ?

Donna: Besides all the great entertainers and tremendous fun that we will have, you will be hearing the first Presley to record since Elvis. Proceeds will go to the Hamilton, Ontario firefighters Burn Center and The Elvis Presley Trauma Center.

Contact Ticketmaster today for your tickets. You won't want to miss this spectacular event.

On December 31, Donna will share special memories of what it was like growing up with Elvis.

I'd like to thank my good friend Melody Sanders for making this interview possible. Merry Christmas Mel.