Aug. 16 Marks 40th Anniversary Of Elvis Presley’s Death

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death.

ELVIS PRESLEY: 40th ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH

The legend’s spirit, however, is still very much alive. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is the world’s most popular performer to impersonate and has inspired countless clubs, festivals, and fashions. He was inducted into the Rockabilly, Gospel, Country, UK Music, and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame, and his music is still popular.

His former home, Graceland, welcomes 500,00 visitors every year, making it the second-most visited historical residence in the states, after the White House. Graceland is also part of Elvis Presley Enterprises, which hosts annual birthday celebrations as well as auctions and fan events.

This year at Graceland, to mark the 40th anniversary of the King’s death, his ex-wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie Presley led a candlelight vigil in his honor on Aug. 15. Lisa Maria, a rocker herself, brought her twin daughters Harper and Finley Lockwood and joined mourners on the 13.8-acre estate.

“In order to keep everyone safe and ensure an enjoyable and meaningful event for all, we have worked closely with local, state and federal security authorities to establish new procedures that have been widely used across the US,” authorities said in statement. Organizers planned for about 50,000 people to attend the remembrance this year, and Graceland charged, for the first time, $28.75 for a property pass.

Elvis was 42 when he died on in 1977. His cause of death was ruled a heart attack, but there have been theories that drugs played a role.

“I didn’t see him as this movie star or this huge iconic singer,” said Priscilla, who was married to Elvis from 1967 to 1973. “I saw him at probably one of the most vulnerable times of his life. Losing his mother and then of course being drafted, which was devastating at the top of his career. So he poured his heart out to me.”