Elvis fans flock to Graceland with masks to honor the death’s 43rd anniversary

Elvis Presley lives on in the hearts of adoring fans who made sure to honor him on his 43rd birthday … even if that meant wearing masks and having to flaunt.

A candlelight vigil was held for the King on Saturday night at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee – hundreds of people gathered to come at sunset just to get a glimpse of the man’s grave and leave behind flowers, notes and photos of their idol. It was one of the last events of Elvis Week there – but this year, precautions were in place.

The vigil was kind of a paid event – only 720 people were given access to the grounds for a close-up view, and the venue officials only allowed groups that wore face covers and traveled in groups of 6 or less. Also, everyone had to arrive slowly to get a good distance … so it was certainly less crowded than gatherings like this in the past.

There were also police officers stationed outside the property with barricades in place blocking surrounding roads – so people who didn’t have tickets couldn’t even approach the mansion to watch from a distance. Overall, it appears to be a success (when it comes to COVID).

Luckily, Elvis fans didn’t seem to care either – in fact, people came from all over the country (and the world) for this momentous event … marking the year Elvis had been away longer than he was. ‘he had never been on this point Earth. He was only 42 when he died in 1977.

Sunday – the day he died – Elvis’ week will end with a virtual gospel event at the Graceland soundstage, and later tonight … a movie of Elvis driving in the parking lot (which we also imagine be limited). Really disappointing, but better than nothing.

Elvis died of a heart attack. He was discovered on the bathroom floor, where he was using the dresser moments earlier. His legacy is cemented in pop culture as a pioneer of modern rock ‘n’ roll music as well as the blues.

Speaking of which, he came under criticism in the years following his death for culturally appropriating the music made popular by black artists and passing it off as his own style. Still, the guy was incredibly talented … and is becoming an icon of his time, paving the way for other high-profile acts to follow. John lennon once said, “Before Elvis, there was nothing.”

He left his wife, Priscilla, and only child Lisa-Marie … as well as many grandchildren, many of whom have become famous in their own right. Some have tragically past as well as.