The Coronavirus pandemic did not stop adoring fans from paying tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Last August 16, 2020 marked the 43rd death anniversary of Elvis Presley. The week long festivities was concluded by a candlelight vigil, an annual tradition held at his Graceland estate in Memphis since the King’s passing in 1977. This time, the vigil was ticketed and only 720 people who were wearing masks and practiced physical distancing were allowed to visit the grounds and pay respects to their idol’s gravesite.
TMZ: FANS FLOCK TO GRACELAND W/ MASKS For 43rd Death Anniversary
According to TMZ, Elvis Presley lives on in the hearts of adoring fans who made sure to pay their respects on his 43rd death anniversary … even if it meant wearing masks and having to spread out.
A candlelight vigil was held for The King Saturday night at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee — which hundreds of people flocked to come sundown just to get a glimpse of the man’s gravesite and leave behind flowers, notes and photos of their idol. It was one of the last events for Elvis Week around there — but this year, precautions were in place.
The vigil was a ticketed event of sorts — only 720 people were given access to the grounds for an up-close view, and the folks running the place only let parties in who wore face coverings and traveled in groups of 6 or less. Also, everyone had to trickle in slowly for proper distancing … so it was certainly less packed than gatherings like this in the past.
There were also police officers stationed outside the property with barricades in place blocking off surrounding roads — so people who didn’t have tickets couldn’t even get near the mansion to watch from a distance. By and large, it sounds like it was a success (COVID-wise).
WMC 5: Graceland hosts 43rd annual Candlelight Vigil
Meanwhile, WMC Action News 5 reports that for the first time in 43 years, Graceland only allowed in a little more than 700 people for the Candlelight Vigil, a tradition that’s been held annually for the past 42 years since the King passed away in 1977.
Everyone who came to the vigil had to reserve a free ticket to enter at a certain time to make the solemn walk from the Gates of Graceland to the meditation garden and the around Presley family gravesites.
Fans were also only allowed inside in social distanced groups of six or less, in accordance with Shelby County Health Department protocols.
The entire Elvis Week has changed this year, with most events offered virtually online.
