August 16th, 2013 marks the 36th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Thousands–an estimated 35,000 according to the Associated Press–have gathered at the music legend’s home, Graceland, as this week marks Elvis Week. A candlelit vigil started Thursday at Graceland and fell into the early morning hours of Friday.
Presley died in 1977 from a heart attack. He had battled a prescription drug addiction prior to his death.
The celebration of Elvis Week has included fans walking through Graceland’s Meditation Garden in silence, which is the burial resting place of Presley and his mother, father, and grandmother.
Elvis died at the age of 42. He would have celebrated his 78th birthday this year on January 8th.
