1977

On Aug. 16, Elvis is found dead, at 42, in a Graceland bathroom. The coroner declares that Presley died of natural causes, though hospital officals later reveal that the singer’s body had traces of codeine, Demerol, Quaalude, Valium and other drugs.

Elvis is buried on Aug. 18 in a private funeral at Graceland; 80,000 fans come to Memphis hoping for a glimpse of his coffin

1978

Priscilla enrolls Lisa Marie in the Church of Scientology, in Los Angeles

1981

Elvis’s physician Dr. George C. Nichopoulos (“Dr. Nick”) is acquitted on all counts of criminally over-prescribing drugs. New charges will surface over the next 15 years.

1982

Graceland is opened to the public on June 7 and is an instant success. About 750,000 people now visit Graceland each year, with tours running every five minutes seven days a week.

1985

Priscilla publishes “Elvis and Me”. It is a best-selling book that later becomes a hit TV mini-series.

1988

Reports of Elvis sightings at a Michigan Burger King and JC Penny appear in the tabloids and the mainstream press. Even The New York Times reports that he’s been sighted in checkout line No. 2 at a supermarket in Vicksbury, Mich.

Priscilla Presley appears in “The Naked Gun” with Leslie Nielsen and O.J. Simpson.

1992

The U.S. Postal Service asks America to choose between two images of Elvis for a commemorative stamp-svelte Elvis or fat Elvis. Thin wins with 851,000 votes. It becomes the most profitable stamp in history, with a print run of 500 million.

On Jne 3, saxophonist and presidential hopeful Bill Clinton performs “Heartbreak Hotel” on “The Arsenio Hall Show.”

1994

Lisa Marie marries pop star Michael Jackson on May 26 in the Dominican Republic. “I am very much in love with Michael. I dedicate my life to being his wife,” Lisa Marie says. She files for divorce 20 months later.

Butterfield & Butterfield over-sees an auction of Elvis Presley memorabilia that grosses more than $2.3 million. Elvis’s midnight blue Mercedes-Benz limousine goes for $321,500.

1997

Memphis’s Elvis Week, Aug. 9-17, celebrates the 20th anniversary of Elvis’s death. Events include a concert, a 5K run, an International Elvis Dance Party and a Q&A session where friends, colleagues and family members share stories and talk to fans.