RIP Elvis

Today marks the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, and thousands of fans descended upon Graceland in Memphis last night. NPR reported early this morning that the King’s former wife and daughter, Priscilla and Lisa Marie, made a special appearance at the annual gathering. It was the first time they have appeared together to mark his death. “This is something that Elvis would never, ever have believed could have taken place here,” said Priscilla. The vigil (captured toward the end of the video below) continued through this morning and is the high point of Elvis Week, which lasts through August 18 and also includes the Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, conversations about Elvis and gospel singing on the Graceland stage and a farewell dance party on the 18th.

Read more about the vigil on npr.org. Click here to listen to Lisa Marie Presley on World Cafe, where she performed live last week and talked about the musical expectations she faces as Elvis’s only child.

Photo from elvis.com.