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Elvis Presley funeral cortege leaving Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, August 18th 1977

Music

Remembering Elvis: The Day 'The King' Died

Music lovers around the world were shocked 40 years ago on Aug. 16, 1977, when Elvis Presley died suddenly from heart failure at age 42.

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Image: Graceland

Fans gather for a candlelight vigil in front of Graceland, Elvis Presley's Memphis home, on Aug. 15, 2017, the night before the 40th anniversary of his death.

Here's a look back at the outpouring of grief 40 years ago.

Brandon Dill / AP
Mourners stayed all night outside Graceland Mansion in Memphis; Tenn.; home of Elvis Presley; where

A man outside the gates of Graceland holds up a newspaper announcing Elvis' death. Mourners stayed all night outside the singer's manion.

Elvis had been battling health problems, including weight gain and a dependency on prescription drugs. 

Fred Ross / Toronto Star via Getty Images
Hundreds of people wait outside Graceland mansion before the gates are opened for the public to view the body on Aug. 17.

Hundreds of people wait outside Graceland mansion before the gates are opened for the public to view the body on Aug. 17.

According to Variety, Elvis lay in state for three and a half hours on Aug. 17 at Graceland and a crowd estimated at 15,000 stood in 90-degree heat waiting to view the body.

AP
Front page of the Daily News dated Aug. 17, 1977 , Headline:

The front page of the New York Daily News announces his death.

NY Daily News via Getty Images
Elvis Presley Funeral Flowers, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, August 18th 1977

Flowers are piled up outside the mausoleum at the Forest Hills Cemetery in Memphis ahead of his burial. 

Alain Le Garsmeur / Corbis via Getty Images
Elvis Presley funeral cortege leaving Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, August 18th 1977

The funeral cortege leaves Graceland on Aug. 18. 

Alain Le Garsmeur / Corbis via Getty Images
The hearse carrying Elvis drives along Elvis Presley Boulevard on the way to Forest Hills Cemetery in Memphis on Aug. 19.

The hearse carrying Elvis drives along Elvis Presley Boulevard on the way to Forest Hills Cemetery. 

AP
Pallbearers carry the flower-covered coffin ointo the Forest Hills Cemeteries mausoleum.

Pallbearers carry the flower-covered coffin into the mausoleum. 

AP
Elvis Presley's Funeral in 1977

Young fans show their love for Elvis at the funeral. 

Alain Le Garsmeur / Corbis via Getty Images
Fans reach out to touch floral arrangements at Forest Hills Cemetery.

Fans reach out to touch floral arrangements at Forest Hills Cemetery.

AP
Elvis Presley performs in 1956 in a photo that was used for his first RCA Victor album cover.

Elvis Presley performs in 1956 in a photo that was used for his first RCA Victor album cover.

AP file
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