Elvis Presley popularly known as the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ was an American singer, musician, and actor. Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8th, 1935, and grew up in a working-class family. He is one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century and is known for his unique blend of various musical genres, including rockabilly, gospel, and blues.
Despite his untimely death at the age of 42, his legacy continues to live on through his music and the ongoing fascination with his life and career.
Elvis Presley had a remarkable career as a singer and actor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. He began his music career in the mid-1950s, recording a string of hits that included “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Jailhouse Rock.” He also appeared in many successful films, including “Love Me Tender” and “Blue Hawaii.” Throughout his career, Elvis sold over 600 million records worldwide and received numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards.
In terms of net worth, it is estimated that Elvis Presley had a net worth of around $300 million at the time of his death in 1977. However, his estate has continued to generate significant revenue through the licensing of his image and music, and today his net worth is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Despite his sudden passing, Elvis Presley’s influence on music and pop culture continues to endure, making him one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.
Details of Elvis Presley’s Death
Here is everything that you need to know about Elvis’ death.
How Old was Elvis when He Died?
He died at the age of 42, on August 16th, 1977. The New York Times reported that he was found unconscious around 2:30 pm in his Memphis mansion at Graceland. His fiancé, Ginger Alden found him in this condition on the floor of the bathroom. He was taken to the hospital immediately but later he was declared dead at 3:30 pm.
Cause of Death
Dr. Jerry Francisco conducted a complete examination of Elvis Presley’s body. According to the preliminary findings of the autopsy, he died of cardiac arrhythmia. But what caused the cardiac arrhythmia remained unknown for a while.
After obtaining the toxicology report, it was confirmed that his blood contained a high level of drugs but those were prescription drugs. Thus, drugs were ruled out as the cause of death.
According to the report, the reason for Elvis’ death was identified as hypertensive heart disease, with coronary artery heart disease playing a role as well. Dr. George Nichopoulos, a friend and doctor of Elvis, claimed that although Elvis had “accidentally abused drugs,” he did not believe that the singer had a drug addiction.
Elvis suffered from major health problems before his death. He was admitted to the hospital many times to get treatment for hypertension and an enlarged colon. During his life, he was also diagnosed with liver problem and diabetes.
Public Reactions on Presley’s Death
Elvis Presley’s death in 1977 shocked the world and triggered an outpouring of grief from his fans. In the days following his passing, thousands of fans flocked to his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, to pay their respects and leave flowers and messages of condolence. The media coverage was extensive, with news outlets around the world covering the story and paying tribute to the “King of Rock and Roll.” Even decades later, Elvis remains an iconic figure in music and pop culture, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans.
The Legacy Elvis Presley Left Behind
Elvis’ supporters, family members, and fans have worked to ensure that his legacy endures long after he died in 1977. Through numerous covers of his music and films that recount his meteoric rise to fame, the King of Rock & Roll has made a lasting impact on multiple generations, with many more to come.
In a 2002 PEOPLE article, Lisa Marie, Elvis’ daughter, paid tribute to her father on the 25th anniversary of his passing. In a recorded message, she expressed her love for her dad and stated that he had made her who she is today, while also acknowledging that he was just as lovely then as he is remembered now.
The Bottom Line
Elvis Presley’s death at the age of 42 in 1977 was a tragic loss for his fans and the music industry. Despite his relatively short life, Elvis made an indelible impact on the world of music and popular culture, and his legacy continues to be celebrated to this day. From his early hits to his memorable film appearances, Elvis’ influence can be seen in the work of countless artists who have followed in his footsteps. While his untimely passing left many wondering what could have been, Elvis’ contributions to music and his enduring appeal ensure that he will never be forgotten.
