Elvis fans make pilgrimage to his gravesite at Graceland

By: 8 years ago

In this Aug. 8, 2016 photo, workers are seen in the circular lobby area of the new 450-room Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. Elvis Presley used to dream about building a guest house at his Graceland property, for friends who would visit the rock and roll icon in Memphis. Presley didn’t get to see his dream come true, but his fans will. The Guest House at Graceland is being built just steps from Presley’s former home, and it aims to impress Memphis visitors with modern design and amenities with an exterior evocative of a comfortable Southern Colonial home. It is set to open Oct. 27. AP

MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Thousands of Elvis Presley fans have made their annual pilgrimage to Graceland for a candlelight vigil marking the 39th anniversary of the singer’s death in Memphis.

Despite pouring rain, Presley fans from around the world are holding candles and walking slowly through the gravesite of the rock ‘n’ roll icon, who died on Aug. 16, 1977. Since his death, devotees have come to pay their respects at Presley’s grave, which is located on the grounds of his former home-turned-museum.

Monday night’s vigil caps Elvis Week, the annual celebration of his life and career. Also Monday, officials announced details of a new 200,000 square-foot entertainment complex being built across the street from the Graceland house.

Police presence was heightened due to a nearby protest by activists supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.