35th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death remembered at Graceland

Fans create makeshift memorials to Elvis Presley on the street outside his mansion, Graceland. Elvis, known as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, died at Graceland on Aug. 16, 1977. (Lance Murphy / EPA)

Aug. 16, 2012 9:48 AM PT

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Fans gather at Graceland in Memphis, Tenn., to celebrate the life of Elvis. More photos: Elvis Presley performs at the Forum in Inglewood

35th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley

Priscilla Presley, left, Elvis Presley’s ex-wife, and their daughter, Lisa Marie, made a rare appearance at the candlelight vigil. “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,” Lisa Marie told the crowd, according to the Associated Press. “I love you very, very, very much.” (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)

Fans pass by Elvis Presley’s grave during the vigil Wednesday night. (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)

Melanie Headley stands near an Elvis painting on the street in front of Graceland. (Lance Murphy / EPA)

Fans in matching commemorative garb pay their respects in front of Elvis Presley’s grave. (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)

Candles are reflected in a photo of Elvis Presley at a memorial set up by a fan at a candlelight vigil at Graceland, Presley’s Memphis, Tenn., home, on Wednesday. (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)

Brenda King of Mishiwaka, Ind., gets a kiss from Australian Elvis impersonator Mark Anthony during the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Showcase at Graceland on Tuesday, the eve of the anniversary of Elvis’ death. The contest winner will be crowned on Friday. (Mike Brown / Commercial Appeal)

Darlene Perez, right, poses with Elvis impersonator Mark Rio of Brazil, on hand for Wednesday night’s vigil as well as an Elvis “tribute artist” contest. (Lance Murphy / EPA)

Dennis Nickells and Dottie Morgan are all shook up on the street outside Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. (Lance Murphy / EPA)

Tribute artists gather around Elvis fan Yvonne Robertson of Windsor, Canada, during Elvis Week activities Tuesday in Memphis, Tenn. (Robert MacPherson / AFP/Getty Images)

Elvis fans, left to right, Buck Two Horns, Charles Schlosser, Tony Grova and Marie Geering take a breather Wednesday outside Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. (Lance Murphy / EPA)