How Did Elvis Presley Die?
Elvis Presley died of Cardiac arrhythmia on August 16, 1977, at age 42.
What was Elvis Presley's cause of death?
On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley was found unresponsive on his bathroom floor at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee. His girlfriend Ginger Alden discovered him and called for emergency services, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at Baptist Memorial Hospital at 3:30 PM. The official cause of death was cardiac arrhythmia — an irregular heartbeat. While the medical examiner noted that long-term prescription drug use likely contributed to his heart condition, the direct cause of death was cardiac, not drug overdose. Elvis was 42 years old at the time of his death.
How old was Elvis Presley when they died?
Elvis Presley was 42 years old at the time of death.
When did Elvis Presley die?
Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977.
Elvis Presley Biography
Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Vernon and Gladys Presley. Growing up in poverty, Elvis developed a passion for music at an early age, influenced by gospel, blues, and country. After moving to Memphis, Tennessee, he recorded his first songs at Sun Studio in 1954, launching a career that would transform American music forever. His unique blend of rhythm and blues with country music created a new sound that captured the imagination of a generation. With hits like Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, and Jailhouse Rock, Elvis became the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, selling over one billion records worldwide.
Personal Life
Who are Elvis Presley's parents?
Vernon Presley, Gladys Love Presley
Did Elvis Presley have siblings?
Yes — Jesse Garon Presley (twin, stillborn).
Was Elvis Presley married?
Elvis Presley was married once, to Priscilla Beaulieu (1967–1973).
Did Elvis Presley have children?
Elvis Presley had 1 child: Lisa Marie Presley.
What religion was Elvis Presley?
Elvis Presley was Christianity.
What was Elvis Presley's ethnicity?
Elvis Presley was of Scots-Irish, English heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- Love Me Tender (1956)
- Jailhouse Rock (1957)
- King Creole (1958)
- Viva Las Vegas (1964)
- Blue Hawaii (1961)
Albums
- Elvis Presley (1956)
- Elvis (1956)
- King Creole (1958)
- From Elvis in Memphis (1969)
- Elvis Now (1972)
TV Shows
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1956)
- The Milton Berle Show (1956)
Awards
- 3 Grammy Awards
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Presidential Medal of Freedom
Facts About Elvis Presley
- Elvis never performed outside North America after 1958
- He had a twin brother Jesse who was stillborn
- His natural hair color was brown — he dyed it black
- He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960
Elvis Presley Quotes
"Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't goin' away."
"I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to."
Legacy
Elvis Presley's impact on music, culture, and popular entertainment is immeasurable. He helped break down racial barriers in American music by bringing African American musical styles — blues, gospel, and R&B — to a mainstream white audience at a pivotal moment in American history. His influence can be heard in virtually every genre of popular music that followed. Graceland, his Memphis estate, remains one of the most visited private homes in the United States. The Elvis Presley estate, managed by his ex-wife Priscilla and later his daughter Lisa Marie, generates over $100 million annually. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and remains one of the best-selling music artists in history.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-05-19