Elvis Presley Death: Fans Grace Graceland on 35th Anniversary
Thursday marks the 35th anniversary of the death of the rock and roll, hip-swaying legend Elvis Presley.
Fans started to gather outside the gates of Graceland - Elvis' former white-columned, mansion estate - in Nashville, TN Wednesday night. Elvis is considered one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century, with hits including "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "A Big Hunk o' Love," and "A Little Less Conversation."
Graceland is also Presley's burial place. The "All Shook Up" singer was found lying unresponsive on his bathroom floor on August 16, 1977. He was official pronounced dead later on that day. He had died from a heart attack after fighting a tough battle with prescription drug abuse. Presley's funeral took place at Graceland on Aug. 18. Approximately 80,000 people followed the processional route to Forest Hill Cemetery that day, where Presley was buried next to his mother, father, and grandmother.
Presley fans were surprised on Wednesday evening when the "King's" ex-wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie made an appearance at the annual Graceland candlelit vigil. This marked the first year both Presley women appeared at the gathering together.
After mounting a stage in front of the crowd in front of Graceland on Wednesday, Priscilla exclaimed, "You should see this from our point of view. It's amazing. The candles are lit. It's truly a sight to behold."
Later on that evening fans followed Priscilla and Lisa Marie as they walked up Graceland's tree-lined driveway to Presley's tomb. Some teary-eyed admirers laid flowers and wreaths on his gravesite.
Elvis Week is an annual celebration of Presley's life and career, and the Graceland vigil marks the end of the event. Authorities predicted approximately 75,000 individuals took part in the candlelit services, which lasted until the early morning hours of Thursday, Aug. 16.
Lisa Marie, who usually shies away from public appearances at Graceland, declared to the crowd:
"I've always avoided this because I felt that it would be too emotional, but I really felt it was important to come down here tonight. I love you very, very, very much."
If alive today Presley would be 77 years old.