Sunday Times 2
Elvis Presley’s ex-wife and daughter address emotional vigil at Graceland
Elvis Presley’s ex-wife Priscilla and their only daughter Lisa Marie shocked fans by turning up to a candlelit vigil at Graceland to mark the 35th anniversary of the singer’s death.The vigil began on Wednesday night after Priscilla Presley and her daughter made the unscheduled and impromptu appearance on a stage set up just inside the walls of Graceland, Elvis’ Memphis mansion.
Together they briefly thanked the crowd for their undying admiration of the rock ‘n’ roll icon.
It was the first time both women had appeared together at the annual gathering, which became an official event in 1980.
Priscilla said the sight of thousands of fans holding up candles in tribute to Elvis was amazing.’This is something that Elvis would never, ever have believed could have taken place here,’ said the actress and businesswoman, who was divorced from Elvis Presley in 1973.
Lisa Marie Presley, on the stage alongside her mother, told the fans she loved them for their devotion to her father. She also acknowledged she had shied away from making public appearances at past anniversary vigils.
‘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,’ the singer’s daughter, herself a singer-songwriter, told the crowd. ‘I love you very, very, very much.’
Elvis admirers from around the U.S. and the globe have flocked each anniversary to Graceland, where the singer, a native of Tupelo, Mississippi, is buried.
Presley died on August 16, 1977, from a heart attack after battling prescription drug abuse. His abrupt death at 42 shocked legions of fans still mesmerised today by his singing, sex appeal and on-stage charisma.The vigil marked the high point of Elvis Week, the annual celebration of Presley’s life and career. Organisers said around 75,000 people were expected by authorities to take part in the vigil.
© Daily Mail, London
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