Among those paying their respects was Bill Murray, then an up and coming comedian on Saturday Night Live. He also happened to be on Today Wednesday morning and shared his memories of the day the music died. Though he wasn't technically invited to Elvis' services, Murray didn't let that stop him.
Actor & comedian Bill Murray attended Elvis Presley's funeral on August 18, 1977. Now the Hollywood star remembers this sad moment in an interview. "I was on a bus before this whole procession. It was impressive to witness all of this.
Many stars were at the funeral, including: John Wayne, Burt Reynolds, George Hamilton, Ann-Margret and Caroline Kennedy. Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis' long time manager was also there.
Did Ginger Alden Attend Elvis' Funeral? Yes. As his fiancée at the time, it is believed that Ginger Alden was present for Elvis' funeral. Following the funeral, however, she was reportedly banned from Graceland by Presley's family and had to receive permission to visit his grave.
Among those who participated in the public memorial service at Elvis Presley's mansion in Memphis, Tenn., were musicians Billy Corgan, Alanis Morissette and Axl Rose, as well as Priscilla Presley.
The documents outline how the estate will be split between Lisa Marie's family members and specify that Priscilla will be buried at Graceland as near as possible to Elvis, her ex-husband.
After Presley's death, his uncle Vester explained to the press that the family was “not interested in her” because “she took advantage of Elvis' name”. He even went as far as to say: “Ginger Alden is dead now as far as the family is concerned. We don't even recognise her as a human being.”
Presley fell in love with Ginger Alden when the actress was 21 and he was in his early 40s. She too was a former beauty queen. They got engaged and lived together in Graceland.
Jackie Kahane gave the eulogy at Elvis's funeral. He was a comedian that opened up for Elvis many, many times when he was playing in Vegas. He was also the person that announced the famous phrase – “Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.” Kahane passed away in March 2001.
Nancy did not attend Elvis' funeral eight years later.
That afternoon the singer was found by his girlfriend, Ginger Alden, lying unconscious on the floor of the master suite bathroom. Elvis was quickly taken by ambulance to the Baptist Memorial Hospital and, after attempts to revive him failed, was pronounced dead at 3:30 pm.
The Duchess of York spoke at Presley's Graceland memorial service. Sarah Ferguson traveled to Graceland to speak at the memorial for her late friend, Lisa Marie Presley. "I stand here with great honor because we called each other 'sissy,' and I've been with you all for all your lives really," the Duchess of York said.
Priscilla Presley was at Graceland when Elvis died. She was in the den with Elvis' father, Vernon, when they got the call that Elvis had been found dead in his bathroom.
Elvis Presley's home has been open to the public as a museum for 40 years, but nobody is allowed upstairs. That is unless you are Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley or someone with special permission like Graceland's Vice President of Archives and Exhibits Angie Marchese.
About 200 family members, friends and close associates attended the private service at Graceland, a star-studded event that brought John Wayne, Burt Reynolds, George Hamilton, Ann-Margret and Caroline Kennedy.
Priscilla appears to not understand the depths of what Walter was implying — that she was groomed. She said that she was rebellious and Elvis was “charming” and really won over the likes of her parents, even if it meant missing days of school to travel and see him.
Inevitably, though, at least to Ann-Margret it seemed, their love affair had to end. She explained in her autobiography: “There were other factors in Elvis's life that forced him apart from me, and I understood them. Elvis had always been honest with me, but still it was a confusing situation.
In 1983, during her 25th birthday, Lisa Marie finally inherited her father's entire estate, which had grown to about $100 million.
While Elvis met these three young princesses, he never met with any other European royalty, despite his fame. Indeed, he reportedly turned down the opportunity to perform at the 1962 Royal Variety Show, which would have seen him meet Her Majesty The Queen.
The Upstairs Remains Off Limits
It was there, in his bathroom, that Presley's body was found on Aug. 16, 1977. After the home was opened to the public in 1982, the second floor was sealed shut out of respect to the family — and also to avoid any macabre attention at the scene of his death.
In 1993, Graceland purchased the property. Today, all shops and attractions in what is now known as Graceland Plaza are owned and operated by EPE.
"Lisa Marie's final resting place will be at Graceland, next to her beloved son Ben," a statement to PEOPLE read. She was honored with a public service at Graceland on Jan. 22. "Riley, Harper, Finley, and Priscilla are grateful for the support, well-wishes, and outpouring of love honoring their beloved Lisa Marie.
Priscilla added, “We truly love all of you, and we feel your prayers,” she said. “Thank you so much for caring so deeply for our family.” At Lisa Marie's funeral, both Priscilla and Riley Keough shared emotional tributes to the singer who died at age 54 after being treated for cardiac arrest at her Calabasas home.
That's Someone You Never Forget.