Elvis Presley Wasn't Always Buried at Graceland — Here's Why He Was Movedoriginally appeared onParade. Elvis Presleywasn't always buried at his beloved Graceland home, and the reason why his body was moved is still compelling, 47 years after his death. The King of Rock and Roll died on August 16, 1977. His death caused fans to swarm the Memphis, Tennessee, estate, blocking traffic as they grieved their loss. Two days after his death, and a public viewing where an estimated25,000 fans filed past his bodyto pay their respects, Presley was laid to rest. On Aug. 18, 1977, his body was transported to nearby Forest Hill Cemetery, where his mother,Gladys Presley, who died in 1958, was also interred. His coffin weighed 900 pounds, perRolling Stone. It was carried by six people into the mausoleum: road manager Joe Esposito, members of Elvis' entourage, and Dr. George Nichopoulos. Parade Daily🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 As reported byThe Commercial Appeal, more than 50,000 fans paid tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, leaving more than 3,000 floral arrangements on the mausoleum lawn. However, less than two weeks later, on August 29, it was revealed that four men had plotted to steal the entertainer's body and hold it for ransom.The New York Timesreported the men were arrested after what was called a "trial run" of the thievery. Presley's father,Vernon Presley,asked if the bodies of his son and wife could be laid to rest safely in Graceland's backyard and petitioned to have the grounds zoned for burial. Ultimately, on Sept. 28, 1977, legal permission was given to relocate the remains of mother and son to Graceland. On Oct. 2, thebodies were movedto their final resting place. They were interred in the Meditation Garden, originally constructed in 1964 as Presley's private home retreat. The first person to be buried was Elvis, followed by his mother, Gladys. In 1979, Vernon was buried beside his son. One year later,Minnie Mae Presley, Elvis' grandmother, was interred opposite Elvis' grave. The king's only grandson,Benjamin Keough, died in 2020. His remains were placed in an above-ground tomb directly across from his grandfather's grave. In January 2023,Lisa Marie Presleywas interred beside her son, also in an above-ground vault. Elvis Presley Wasn't Always Buried at Graceland — Here's Why He Was Movedfirst appeared on Parade on Aug 16, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Aug 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
