MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Elvis fans had been lined up for nearly 24 hours to be among the first to honor Elvis's life and legacy at the evening's candlelight vigil.
The vigil marks the 35th anniversary of his death and has drawn the largest crowd in history. Even Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley made a rare appearance and greeted fans. Priscilla told the crowd, "This is proof that you love him very, very much, thank you." The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
From Texas to Australia, Elvis fans are taking care of business. Margaret Rabalais from Louisiana lined up nearly 24 hours early to claim her spot as first in line to honor The King. "He showed us so much love and we just want to return that love," she says.
Joe Makowski saw Elvis in concert 81 times, "I had the opportunity to see Elvis for the first time live in 1971 - that was August 1971 - I went to every engagement after that." He even has an Elvis autograph and four scarves from his musical icon, "I actually got to meet Elvis and was on TV with Elvis and shook his hand 25-30 times."
It's rare that Makowski misses an Elvis week. Not just because of his love for The King but each year is a new experience. 35 years after his death this is the largest one yet. Makowski says, "I'll never stop loving Elvis, he was the greatest and is the greatest."
Organizers expect 75,000 people to attend Elvis week festivities. 20,000 attended the vigil in 2011.
