See How Elvis Presley's Fans Paid Tribute on the 43rd Anniversary of His Death

Every year since the death of Elvis Presley, fans flocked to Graceland to pay their respects. This year, the annual candlelight vigil didn't quite take place as it did the previous 43 years.

August 16 marked the 43rd anniversary of the legendary Elvis Presley's death. Like previous years, fans went to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee to pay their respects, but it was nowhere near the same attendance scale.

The candlelight vigil became an annual event, but due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, it had to be downsized this year. While keeping to capacity restrictions, the procession to Meditation Garden took place as usual.

IT'S BECOME TRADITION

Elvis Presley died at his famed Graceland mansion in 1977 aged 42, and every year since then, fans carried candles from his gravesite to the legendary house.

This year, however, the Associated Press shared the amended plans to keep the longstanding tradition ongoing, even through these difficult times.

SPOTS WERE RESERVED FOR FANS

According to Graceland's events specialist, Alicia Dean, they set aside 720 reserved spots for fans who wanted to attend the three-hour vigil in person.

While the event was also live-streamed as a part of Elvis Week which started on August 8, all the reserved spots for the vigil were filled in advance.

CELEBRITIES PAID TRIBUTE TO PRESLEY

Tim McGraw may be a star in his own right, but he gave Presley a sweet nod on what would have been his birthday. Posting a throwback picture of "The King," McGraw added:

"I’m often asked who I would like to hang out with living or passed, and there’s no question...The King. We lost him 43 years ago today..man he was cool."

Tanya Tucker also took to social media "saluting The King," as she lamented over the loss of the legendary singer by adding that she will "treasure" the memories they made together "forever."

THE LOSS OF A FAMILY MEMBER

The vigil in Elvis Presley's honour came barely a month after the family tragically lost one of their own. On July 12, Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie lost her son Benjamin Keough, whom she shared with her ex-husband Danny Keough.

Benjamin's death "devastated" the family and left his mom "completely heartbroken," and his dad "completely lost" without his only son. Aged 27 when he passed, his grandmother, Priscilla added that they are trying to "put all the pieces together" after the tragic loss.

THE PRIVATE FAREWELL

According to reports, Lisa Marie Presley and the rest of the family held a private funeral to say goodbye to Benjamin.

While Benjamin's father didn't attend the private ceremony, it turned into an emotional day for everyone. Even though Lisa Marie tried to be there for the rest of her children, she was reportedly "inconsolable."

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