Fans mark 41st anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death

The Associated Press

6 years ago

Elvis Presley is shown at the International Hotel, which today is the Westgate, where he made his first public stage appearance in nine years in Las Vegas, in this in August 1969 file photo. (AP file)

Elvis Presley fan Dianne Jeddor, center, of Toronto, Canada, makes her way to a candlelight vigil during "Elvis Week" that marks the 41st anniversary of Presley’s Aug. 16 death, on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018. (Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal via AP)

Elvis Presley fan Donna Galloway of Long Beach, Miss., setup blankets before a candlelight vigil during "Elvis Week" that marks the 41st anniversary of Presley’s Aug. 16 death on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018. (Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal via AP)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fans of Elvis Presley are holding flickering candles and walking quietly past the grave of the rock n’ roll pioneer on the 41st anniversary of his death.

Devotees of Presley flock to Memphis, Tennessee, every year to honor his life and career during Elvis Week. The candlelight vigil is the keystone event, with solemn mourners moving slowly past his resting place and the graves of his parents and grandmother in the Meditation Garden at his former home, Graceland.

Presley died Aug. 16, 1977 at age 42. Ever since, fans have traveled from all over the world to Graceland to honor the singer and actor. Graceland now draws about 500,000 visitors annually.

Attendance Wednesday night was lighter than during last year’s 40th anniversary vigil, but security remained tight. The vigil continues into Thursday.