Lisa Marie was only nine when his father died. She must have had some idea that he was famous, but could not be prepared for the hysteria and crowds outside the gates of Graceland when his death was announced. And then, the next day, tens of thousands of fans were allowed in the house to pay their last respects to the open chest, which was placed under the arch between the living room and music halls on the south side of the house. There was still time for some private time just for family and in one quiet moment Lisa Marie made a very special personal request.
Elvis’ father Vernon had asked the star’s hairdresser and spiritual advisor, Larry Geller, to cut and style his hair. The sides were applied around red and makeup.
Vernon had exaggerated everyone and insisted on a public viewing so fans had a chance to say goodbye – and he wanted his son to look his best.
Estimates said the club protruded outside them up to a mile behind. It was 90 degrees and some fainting from the heat and emotion.
Inside, Priscilla and Lisa Marie had one last private moment with Elvis.
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The little girl had a special last gift that she wished Dad had always had with him.
Funeral director Robert Kendall later said Lisa had approached the coffin but never raised her eyes to look inside.
Apparently she said, “Mr. Kendall, can I give this to my father?”
She held out her hand and showed off a thin metal bangle, a bracelet, but there was a problem that Kendall (and Priscilla) immediately detected.
They tried to discourage her, but Lisa Marie was determined.
Priscilla Presley requested that the bracelet be hidden under Elvis’ shirt shirt. A precaution, in case anyone suddenly tried to take one last memento.
After the public was allowed in by 3 p.m., an estimated 30,000 people entered the house in a matter of hours.
Although Vernon extended the viewing hours, not even half of the people waiting outside could pay their respects.
Elvis’ funeral took place the following day, August 18, as even more extraordinary scenes erupted.
The private funeral for family and friends took place at Graceland. An uncontrolled car crashed into the gates of the house, killing two female fans and injuring another critically.
More than 80.00 people walked the route to Forest Hill Cemetery, where Elvis was laid to rest in the manly family museum next to his mother.
Two weeks later, on August 29, an easy (some say suspicious) film attempted to dig up the body, prompting Elvis’ family to demand that his coffin be moved to Graceland for safety.
Permission was granted on September 28 and Elvis’ body was permanently relocated to Graceland on October 3.
