Before John Mellencamp became a famous rock star, he was just a young man in love. And the woman who stood beside him in those early days was Priscilla Esterline, his first wife. While people often talk about his later relationships with big names like Meg Ryan or Christie Brinkley, very few know about the woman who was there from the very beginning.
Priscilla Esterline didn’t live in the spotlight. She wasn’t famous. She didn’t do interviews or chase attention. But her story is important. She helped shape Mellencamp’s life before the world ever knew his name. In this article, we’ll take a kind and thoughtful look at who Priscilla Esterline was, how her life unfolded, and why her memory still matters today.
Priscilla Esterline Quick Bio
| Full Name | Priscilla Esterline |
| Birth Date | November 1, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Tecumseh, Michigan, USA |
| Death Date | September 8, 2012 |
| Age at Death | 57 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex‑Husband | John Mellencamp |
| Marriage Year | 1970 |
| Divorce Year | 1981 |
| Children | Michelle Mellencamp, Adam Esterline |
| Grandchildren | Elexis, Colin, Hannah, Grace |
| Known For | John Mellencamp’s ex‑wife |
| Net Worth | Around $500,000 |
| Last Residence | Michigan, USA |
Priscilla Esterline’s Early Life and Family
Priscilla Esterline was born on November 1, 1954, in Tecumseh, Michigan. It was a small, quiet town where people knew each other and lived simple lives. She grew up in a close and loving family. Her parents were La Vern Richard Creger and Arvilla Covell Creger. Priscilla also had one brother and one sister.
Her childhood wasn’t filled with fame or big city lights. Instead, it was full of regular moments—school, family dinners, and small-town routines. People who knew her said she was kind, calm, and always respectful. These values stayed with her for the rest of her life.
Not much is written about her school years, but she lived a life that was strong and steady. She wasn’t loud or flashy. She was thoughtful and real. And later, she became a big part of someone else’s story—someone who was about to chase the spotlight.
How Priscilla Esterline Met John Mellencamp
Priscilla met John Mellencamp when he was still in high school. She was three years older than him and already living on her own. She had a job and her own apartment—pretty impressive for someone so young. When they met at a party, something just clicked.
They started dating quickly. Their relationship was full of energy, fun, and adventure. They were young and wild, like many couples at that age. They didn’t worry too much about the future. They just enjoyed each other’s company and made the most of every moment.
Looking back, it’s easy to see that Priscilla gave John something important—love and stability during a time when his life was full of unknowns. Their bond was strong, even though they had no idea what was coming next.
The Secret Wedding Across State Lines
In 1970, everything changed. Priscilla found out she was pregnant. Back then, being young and pregnant could bring a lot of pressure and judgment. So, the couple made a fast decision—they got married.
They didn’t have a big ceremony or a family gathering. Instead, they eloped to Louisville, Kentucky, where the marriage laws were easier. Their witnesses were a police officer and a secretary at the courthouse. That was it. No fancy dress. No wedding cake. Just two young people trying to make the best choice they could.
Later that year, on December 4, 1970, their daughter Michelle Suzanne Mellencamp was born. John was 18, and Priscilla was 19. They had just started their adult lives, and now they were parents, too.
Becoming Parents, Life with Baby Michelle
Life changed overnight. Being a young parent is never easy, and for Priscilla and John, it was even harder. They didn’t have much money. They moved from place to place, sometimes living in homes without running water.
Priscilla took care of baby Michelle while John focused on building a music career. He wasn’t famous yet. He was just a guy trying to make things work in a tough business. Priscilla did what many young moms do—she stayed strong, stayed patient, and did everything she could to create a peaceful home.
She didn’t complain. She didn’t give up. And even when things got hard, she stayed committed to her daughter and her relationship.
Priscilla Esterline’s Life Before Fame Changed Everything
It’s easy to forget that rock stars once lived regular lives. Before John Mellencamp was on stage, before the albums and the awards, he was just trying to make ends meet. And Priscilla was right there with him.
She supported him in every way she could. While John chased record deals and performed at small shows, Priscilla kept the home going. She changed diapers, made meals, and stayed up at night worrying about bills. That kind of support isn’t always seen by the public—but it matters deeply.
There was also trouble with John’s family. His mother didn’t approve of the marriage and felt like Priscilla had “taken her son.” That made things even harder. But through it all, Priscilla didn’t walk away. She held things together, even when it was tough.
Fame, Distance, and the Start of Marriage Problems
By the late 1970s, John Mellencamp’s career had started to grow. His name was getting bigger, and he was spending more time on the road. Fame brings opportunity, but it can also bring distance.
John later admitted in interviews that he cheated during the marriage. He talked about how hard it was to stay loyal while living the rock-and-roll lifestyle. He even joked that “there’s a reason so many rock stars get divorced.”
For Priscilla, this was painful. She had been loyal and loving for years. But she also understood that the world they lived in had changed. The connection they once had was now full of silence, travel, and new pressures.
Still, she didn’t walk away quickly. She gave the relationship time. She gave it effort. But eventually, things couldn’t go back to how they used to be.
The Divorce, Why Priscilla and John Mellencamp Split
In 1981, after 11 years of marriage, Priscilla Esterline and John Mellencamp got divorced. It wasn’t messy. It wasn’t full of drama. By that point, both of them knew it was time to move on.
John had already met his second wife, Victoria Granucci, at a Hollywood party. But instead of holding a grudge, Priscilla did something surprising—she actually helped Victoria pick her wedding dress. That small act showed how much grace and kindness Priscilla carried, even when life took a different turn.
After the divorce, Priscilla got full custody of Michelle. She focused on raising her daughter and stayed far away from the public eye. She didn’t ask for attention. She didn’t chase fame. She just kept living her life—with love, peace, and quiet strength.
Life After Divorce for John Mellencamp’s Ex-Wife
After her divorce from John Mellencamp in 1981, Priscilla Esterline quietly stepped away from the spotlight. She didn’t give interviews. She didn’t appear in magazines. She chose a life of peace, not publicity.
Priscilla stayed in Michigan and focused on what mattered most to her — her family. She raised her daughter, Michelle, with care and strength. Later, she also welcomed another child, a son named Adam Esterline. Not much is known about Adam, as the family kept their life very private.
Even though she had once been married to a rising rock star, Priscilla never used that connection for fame or fortune. She lived simply. She worked hard. And she stayed true to herself.
Priscilla Esterline as a Loving Mom and Grandma
Being a mom was always at the center of Priscilla’s world. But in 1989, her life changed again — she became a grandmother. Her daughter Michelle gave birth to a baby girl named Elexis Suzanne Peach at just 18 years old.
Priscilla didn’t hesitate. She stepped into her new role with love and care. Over the years, she became a grandmother to three more children: Colin (born in 1994), Hannah (1996), and Grace (1998). These four grandchildren became her pride and joy.
She helped raise them with the same quiet strength she had shown her whole life. Family members say she was gentle, patient, and always kind. She passed on her values and created a warm and stable home, even without the spotlight.
What Happened to Priscilla Esterline?
Sadly, Priscilla Esterline passed away on September 8, 2012. She was only 57 years old. Her death came quietly, without media attention or public news.
The cause of her death was never shared with the public. Just like she lived her life — in privacy and peace — her passing was also gentle and private. But for those who knew her, the loss was deep.
Priscilla left behind two children and four grandchildren. She also left behind a story of strength, love, and quiet courage that deserves to be remembered.
What John Mellencamp Said About Priscilla
Over the years, John Mellencamp has spoken openly about his past. He admitted he wasn’t always a good husband during his first marriage. He shared that being in a rock band made it hard to stay loyal and that he made mistakes.
Even with all that, he never spoke badly about Priscilla Esterline. In fact, he always showed respect for her. He said their divorce was peaceful and that she was there during the hardest part of his journey — before the fame and success.
In one interview, he joked, “What other reason would a guy ever pick up a guitar as a teenager?” His words hinted at the temptations that came with his career. But deep down, he seemed to know how much Priscilla meant to him during those first, tough years.
Why Priscilla Esterline’s Story Still Touches People
In today’s world, we often hear about celebrity breakups full of drama. But Priscilla Esterline’s story is different. She was quiet. She was kind. And she chose to live away from the spotlight, even when she could have stayed in it.
She supported John Mellencamp when he was just starting out. She raised their daughter while he chased his dreams. And even after their marriage ended, she kept living with grace and dignity.
Many people today look up to public figures. But Priscilla’s story shows that true strength doesn’t always come with fame. Sometimes, it’s found in the people who stand quietly behind the scenes — who love, support, and never ask for credit.
Final Thoughts
What happened to Priscilla Esterline, John Mellencamp’s ex-wife? She lived a full and meaningful life, even if the world didn’t always see it. She was a young bride, a strong mother, a loving grandmother, and the first woman who believed in a small-town musician named John Mellencamp.
Her story may not have made headlines, but it still matters. Because behind every great success is someone who helped build the foundation. For Mellencamp, that person was Priscilla Esterline.
In a world full of noise, her quiet life reminds us that love, strength, and grace are powerful — even when no one is watching.
(FAQs)
Is there an obituary for Priscilla Esterline?
Yes, but it is very simple and hard to find. She passed away quietly in 2012, and there was no big news or public attention.
How old was Priscilla Esterline when she died?
She was 57 years old when she died on September 8, 2012. Many people are surprised she died so young.
How much was Priscilla Esterline’s net worth?
Her net worth was about $500,000. Even though she was married to a famous singer, she never lived a rich or flashy life.
Where did Priscilla Esterline live after the divorce?
She lived in Michigan for the rest of her life. She stayed away from fame and chose a quiet and peaceful life.
Is Priscilla Esterline alive today?
Priscilla Esterline passed away in 2012, but many people still don’t know this because she lived very privately.
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