‘Mr Cole,’ he said, very firmly, ‘I am the Deputy Sheriff of Memphis. I am commanded by the Presley family to invite you to visit with the deceased.’
I then spotted my business card in his hand. I wasn’t sure I wanted to ‘visit with the deceased’, but, in the interests of journalistic enquiry, I accepted.
The Deputy Sheriff took me by the elbow and began walking me up the serpentine path that climbs a small hill to Graceland, with its white columns and classical pediment.
He ushered me through the doors to a scene I shall never forget.
In the hall, a coffin had been placed on trestles. Behind the coffin, in a sombre arc, stood members of the Presley family, including Elvis’s ex-wife Priscilla, daughter Lisa Marie, and his father Vernon.
One by one, I shook hands with them, extending my arm across the coffin where the greatest singer of the 20th century lay dead at the age of 42.
I heard myself expressing condolences on behalf of myself, the BBC, the people of Britain and Elvis fans throughout the world. They smiled and said gracious things.
It turned out I was the first person invited into Graceland — the home Elvis Presley only ever left to perform a concert or make a record — since his death.
How did Elvis look? Not too good. Being English, I didn’t like to stare. But it was such an extraordinary sight, I had to take in every detail.
Bull! There are several facts wrong in this report.
Was raised listening to all kinds of music..but my mother had a 78 Heartbreak Hotel too!…….remember loads growing up in the 60s!…… interesting article!
Who is the Reporter who wrote the article about Elvis Presley in his coffin ?
Awful.. Absolutely awful.. Nothing more to say about this
What a crock of pish if that’s news it’s fake but hey it is the bloody broadcast company BBC
I knew that he did not die he signed his own death certificate and one of his life insurance is still not being claimed because if they did Elvis would go to jail because of fraud
Elvis was sick an on cortisone it makes you your face puffy
What a Bull Story……
There Were Over 100 Elvis Fans At The Gate…
The Lighting Bolt T.C.B. On The Tail Of The Lisa Marie Jet ….
Not The First To See Elvis In The Casket…
To Many Facts Are Wrong From This Reporter ……
Fake News …..
I did wardrobe for Elvis and his band was friends with JD Sumner . Elvis was always happy and sure a bit heavy but looked fine . I believe this story is embellished not completely true.