The King died on August 16, 1977, aged 42 of a heart attack

Aug 16, 2013 12:48 GMT  ·  By

The Elvis Week is in full bloom at Graceland, with thousands of fans coming to pay respect to the singer to whom they still refer lovingly at The King. Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977 of a heart attack, after years of misuse of prescription drugs.

He was 42. He is still very much alive in the hearts of millions of his fans.

Billboard notes that what started like an informal gathering, the Elvis Week, which coincides with the anniversary of his death, is now a major tourist attraction.

Last year brought over 75,000 fans to Elvis’ grave. At least half that number is expected this year.

“Thousands of Presley fans carried lit candles as they walked silently through the Mediation Garden at Graceland, Presley's longtime Memphis home. The garden is the location of Presley's grave and also is the spot where his mother, father and grandmother are buried,” the music publication writes.

“Wreaths of flowers and pictures of Presley encircled the grave, while shadows cast by the glowing candles danced along the stone wall surrounding the garden. Soft music played in the mild night, as some in the procession bowed their heads or cried quietly,” it adds.

Tribute concerts will follow. Whether Priscilla Presley and daughter Lisa Marie will come back for a speech, as they did last year, is unknown.