You may know John Mellencamp as a rock legend, but did you know about his first love and wife, Priscilla Esterline? While she stayed out of the spotlight, her life story is a fascinating one. Let’s take a closer look at who Priscilla was and her relationship with the famous musician.
Who was Priscilla Esterline?
Priscilla Esterline was born on November 1, 1954 in the small town of Tecumseh, Michigan. She was the daughter of La Vern and Arvilla Creger and had two siblings. Not much is publicly known about her childhood or family life.
Priscilla met her future husband John Mellencamp when they were both still in high school. Despite being young, the two fell in love and found out Priscilla was pregnant in 1970. Against his parents’ wishes, John married 16-year-old Priscilla in June of that year. In December 1970, the couple welcomed a daughter named Michelle Suzanne.
Priscilla mostly stayed out of the public eye, even after John found fame. She focused on being a mother to Michelle and living a normal life in Indiana. Priscilla and John’s marriage lasted a decade before they divorced in 1981.
Early Life and Background
As mentioned, Priscilla Esterline was born and raised in Tecumseh, Michigan in 1954. Tecumseh is a small town in southeast Michigan near the Ohio border. Priscilla’s parents were La Vern and Arvilla Creger. She had two siblings but their names are not publicly known.
Priscilla attended high school in the area, which is where she first met John Mellencamp. Not much else is known about her early life, as she tended to stay out of the spotlight, even after her marriage to the famous musician. It seems Priscilla enjoyed a typical Midwestern upbringing before getting married and becoming a mother at a young age.
After marrying as a teen and having her daughter Michelle, Priscilla settled into life as a wife and mother in Indiana where John was from. Despite her husband’s growing fame, she maintained a quiet, low-key lifestyle out of the public eye during their marriage. Her main focus was family life and raising their child during the 1970s.
Marriage to John Mellencamp
Priscilla’s marriage to John Mellencamp began with an unexpected pregnancy in 1970. At the time, Priscilla was only 16 years old and John was 19. Despite their young age and his parents’ disapproval, the couple decided to get married and start a family together.
John and Priscilla tied the knot in June 1970 in Indiana. Just a few months later in December, they welcomed their daughter Michelle Suzanne Mellencamp. Becoming parents at such a young age wasn’t easy, but Priscilla and John made it work.
For the next decade, Priscilla was by John’s side as he worked hard to make a name for himself in the music industry. She took care of things at home and focused on being a good mother to Michelle. Times weren’t always easy, especially financially, but Priscilla supported John as he pursued his dreams.
However, as John’s career took off in the late 1970s, cracks began to form in the marriage. Life in the spotlight wasn’t easy for the publicity-shy Priscilla. The couple also got married so young that they ended up growing apart over the years.
In 1981, after a decade of marriage, Priscilla and John decided to divorce. The split was amicable and the two remained on good terms. Priscilla even helped John’s second wife Vicky pick out her wedding dress. Despite the divorce, Priscilla still cared for John and wanted the best for him.
After the marriage ended, Priscilla continued to live a quiet life out of the public eye. Her main focus was her daughter Michelle and maintaining a sense of normalcy and stability. Priscilla never remarried and was content to be a single mother.
Children Details
Priscilla Esterline had one daughter with John Mellencamp. Michelle Suzanne Mellencamp was born on December 4, 1970, just a few months after Priscilla and John got married as teenagers. Michelle was their only child together.
Being a mother was Priscilla’s main focus both during and after her marriage to John. She worked hard to give Michelle a stable and loving home life, even when John was busy with his music career. Priscilla was a hands-on and involved mom to Michelle.
After Priscilla and John divorced in 1981, they shared custody of 11-year-old Michelle. Both parents remained active in her life. Priscilla was a constant presence and source of support for Michelle as she grew up. The mother-daughter duo had a very close relationship.
Later in life, Priscilla also had a son named Adam Esterline, but not much is known publicly about him or his father. At the time of Priscilla’s death in 2012, she was survived by both Michelle and Adam as well as several young grandsons. Being a mother and grandmother seemed to be Priscilla’s proudest role.
Even though her marriage to John Mellencamp didn’t last, Priscilla was a devoted mother to the daughter they shared. Michelle was her world. While Priscilla may not be a household name, her impact can be seen in the children and grandchildren she left behind.
Priscilla Esterline: Separation
The marriage between Priscilla Esterline and John Mellencamp lasted from 1970 to 1981. During their 11-year union, the couple had a daughter named Michelle Suzanne Mellencamp. Unfortunately, the couple’s relationship did not stand the test of time, and they eventually decided to part ways. The exact reason for their divorce remains unknown, but it is evident that both individuals moved on with their lives.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, John Mellencamp went on to marry twice more, while Priscilla Esterline chose to stay away from the limelight. It’s unclear whether she remarried or pursued a career of her own. However, it can be inferred that she maintained a relatively low profile, allowing her to lead a more private life away from the attention that often comes with being associated with a famous partner.
Passing and Legacy
There has been no confirmed information regarding Priscilla Esterline’s passing. It is important to be cautious when discussing such matters, as it can lead to the spread of misinformation. As of now, her legacy is primarily tied to her marriage with John Mellencamp and her role as a mother.
Priscilla Esterline’s Influence and Private Life
Although Priscilla Esterline may not have had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, her influence as a mother and supportive partner should not be overlooked. It is likely that her presence in John Mellencamp’s life played a role in his personal growth and development as an artist. Furthermore, her decision to lead a private life after their separation speaks volumes about her character and her desire to protect her family from unwanted public attention.
Conclusion
Priscilla Esterline, best known as the first wife of John Mellencamp, has managed to maintain a private life away from the public eye. While her marriage to the singer-songwriter may be her most notable association, it is essential to recognize her role as a mother and her influence on John Mellencamp’s life. By choosing to lead a private life, she has shown her commitment to protecting her family and personal space, reflecting her strength of character and resilience.
