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Linda Thompson

Linda Thompson is an American songwriter, former actress, and beauty pageant winner born in 1950.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Linda Thompson is an American songwriter, former actress, and beauty pageant winner born in 1950. She is also known for her relationship with Elvis Presley and her marriages to Bruce Jenner (now Caitlyn Jenner) and music producer David Foster.

Early life and pageants

Linda Diane Thompson was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1950. She attended Memphis State University and won several pageant titles, including Miss Tennessee Universe 1972, which helped support her education.

Career in entertainment and songwriting

Thompson appeared in film and television and later became known for songwriting and lyric work. She is described as an award-winning lyricist with credits connected to major recordings and productions.

Relationship with Elvis Presley

Thompson became widely known for her relationship with Elvis Presley during the 1970s. This part of her life is a major reason she is discussed in entertainment histories.

Marriages and later life

Thompson married Bruce Jenner in 1981 and later David Foster. Her later life included continued public attention through media appearances and music-related work.

Key facts

  • Born Linda Diane Thompson in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1950.
  • Worked as a songwriter and former actress.
  • Won the Miss Tennessee Universe 1972 title and other pageant honors.
  • Was in a relationship with Elvis Presley in the 1970s.
  • Married Bruce Jenner and later David Foster.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Linda Thompson?
Linda Thompson is an American songwriter, former actress, and beauty pageant winner born in 1950.
What is Linda Thompson best known for?
She is best known for her entertainment career, pageant background, and her relationship with Elvis Presley.
Where was Linda Thompson born?
She was born in Memphis, Tennessee, United States.
What title did Linda Thompson win in 1972?
She was named Miss Tennessee Universe 1972.
Who was Linda Thompson married to?
She was married to Bruce Jenner and later to David Foster.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Thompson
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, occupation, pageant background, and relationships.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0860419/bio/
    Supports: Birthplace, education, pageant titles, songwriting recognition, marriages, and entertainment career.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Linda-Thompson
    Supports: Identification as a British musician appears to refer to a different Linda Thompson, useful for disambiguation.
  4. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Thompson_(singer)
    Supports: Disambiguation showing another notable Linda Thompson who is a British singer-songwriter.