The great American singer and actor Elvis Presley was remembered on his birthday celebrations at Graceland. Priscilla Presley and fans celebrate Elvis’ birthday and showered their love to their favorite star.
Elvis fans around the world amidst the freezing temperatures gathered on the lawn at Graceland on Saturday to wish a Happy birthday to the legend Elvis Presley on his 87th birthday.
Priscilla Presley and fans celebrate Elvis’ birthday
The singer’s former wife, Priscilla Presley, thanked his fans and expressed her sincere gratitude to them for reaching out there to celebrate, and for cherishing his legacy alive during the annual birthday week celebration.
“I am so surprised at how many people are here,” Presley said. “I was a nervous wreck on the plane wondering ‘what if nobody showed up?’ I know how cold it is. But I know Elvis fans will always show up.
She added that she’s grateful for the continued love and support fans have shown the musician over the years. She said Elvis would be happy to know that he is still popular today. She added that he would never have imagined that fans would be visiting his home to see how he lived and who he was, even years after his death.
“I know he would be thrilled to see all of his fans that he still has,” Presley said. “For all of you to keep coming back, all of the children and younger ones, I am still in awe that you are still here supporting him.”
Elvis Presley’s birthday celebration kicked off the start of “Elvis 45,” a yearlong celebration of wonderful events and exhibits that will be held at Graceland and will culminate in August with Elvis Week. This special event marks the singer’s death 45 years ago.
“2022 is going to be a huge year for Elvis Presley and a huge year here at Graceland,” said DJ Argo of Elvis Radio. “Not only is it the 40th anniversary of Graceland opening to the public, but it’s the 65th anniversary of Elvis purchasing this beautiful home. And it is hard to believe that it was 45 years ago that we lost Elvis physically. But we are paying tribute all year long at Graceland to the man, his music, and his enduring legacy.”
Presley explained how much a private person Elvis was and how much he loved Graceland.
Presley said that he had a very private life and Graceland was his favorite was the first place he would come to after a movie, after a show, after tours. She remembered “He would come home. This is home. He couldn’t wait to be at Graceland. And the more I come, I see why. It’s just a place of calmness and memories and friends. It was where he completely let go.”
Elvis Aaron Presley, the King of Rock and Roll was born on January 8, 1935, in Mississippi, U.S. The famous singer cum actor is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. His high energy performance and his interpretations of songs combined with sexually provocative performance style amazed people and earned him a huge fan base. He, unfortunately, was gripped into drug addiction and was hospitalized because of that. Finally, on August 16, 1977, he had his last breath at Memphis, Tennessee, the U.S in his 42nd age. The cause of his death is believed to be cardiac arrest.
During the birthday celebrations, his wife added that said that even though Elvis was larger than life and had the image of being the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, apart from that he was a normal, fun-loving, kind, and humane person.
“Yes, he was an image,” Presley said. “We have all his costumes, automobiles, his motorcycles, and everything here. That all meant something. But his humanity was very touching and true. I know I’ve not met anyone like him. He was unique. He was special. And he was meant to be here for a purpose. And he is.”
A peacock-themed cake was cut at the event in the music room at Graceland. This was followed by the reading of a proclamation from Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris commemorating the day.
