Elvis Presley fans mark 29th anniversary of death at Graceland

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Fans of the King from around the world are in Memphis, Tennessee, honoring the 29th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death.

Presley died of heart disease and prescription drug abuse at his Graceland mansion on August 16th, 1977. The singer's fans traditionally file past his grave site at Graceland on the eve of the anniversary. A spokesman says as many as ten-thousand fans could visit the mansion for this year's vigil.

President Bush and his wife, who brought Elvis fan and Japanese leader Junichiro Koizumi (joon-ee-chee-roh koh-ee-zoo-mee) to Memphis in June for a tour of Graceland, sent their regards. The White House sent a letter to be read to the fans noting Presley's "special place in the cultural life of America." It says the anniversary gives fans around the world an opportunity to come together, share memories and celebrate Presley's legacy.