Elvis fans say 'thank you' to the King at Graceland Candlelight Vigil

Lola Sewell had never been outside of Australia until her son, Jason Sewell, brought her to Memphis for Elvis Week. The trip was a birthday present for her 90th birthday. The Sewells considered delaying their visit until Elvis Week 2027, which would mark the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. Jason, 55, a DJ in Grafton, New South Wales, Australia, said, "Mom's 90, and she said, 'If I don't go this year, I might not be here next year.'" Mrs. Sewell, who turns 90 on December 2, couldn't speak much Saturday night as she and her son stood in the muggy 96-degree heat with thousands of participants in the annual Candlelight Vigil at Graceland. The vigil honors Elvis Presley's death on August 16, 1977. "I've lost me voice," she said in a hoarse whisper. "She was out on Beale Street a little too late," her son added, seemingly not joking. This year's Candlelight Vigil felt somewhat routine, with Graceland officials already planning a spectacular 50th-anniversary commemoration in 2027. Longtime Graceland CEO Jack Soden, along with Priscilla Presley, opened the Elvis mansion to the public in 1982. Fans faced construction-related disruptions, such as repaved Elvis Presley Boulevard, which prevented them from lining up traditionally alongside the stone wall. Instead, barriers were placed in the street, reducing space for fan-made Elvis shrines. Despite these compromises, the enthusiasm of the Elvis community remained high. Deannah Birtles, 54, from Sydney, decided to attend the 49th anniversary rather than the 50th, saying she might reconsider next year due to the addictive nature of Elvis fandom. "This is probably a $20,000 trip for me," she said, noting the extensive travel time from Sydney to Memphis. Sarahlea McGrath, 47, a dance teacher in Manchester, England, has attended every Elvis Week since 1996 (excluding the COVID year). Her first trip was for her 18th birthday, with her mother making significant sacrifices to bring her. McGrath brought her children, Grace (16) and Jack (11), to the vigil, emphasizing the family's gratitude to Elvis. Family connections were a recurring theme, with McGrath’s mother not present but bringing her kids to honor Elvis.