The Mystery of Vernon Presley’s Strange Behavior Following Elvis’s Death

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, passed away on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42, sending shockwaves throughout the world. His death was not only a personal tragedy for his fans but also a deeply emotional moment for his family, particularly his father, Vernon Presley.

While the public mourned the loss of an icon, Vernon’s strange behavior in the days leading up to and during Elvis’s funeral has sparked many speculations and raised numerous questions. This article takes an in-depth look at Vernon Presley’s unusual actions, which may shed light on some of the mysteries surrounding Elvis’s death and the secrecy that followed.

Vernon Presley’s Unusual Request for Delayed Visits

In the immediate aftermath of Elvis’s death, the world was left in a state of disbelief. Fans flooded Graceland, hoping to pay their respects to the fallen star. However, it was Vernon Presley’s decision to delay these visits that piqued many people’s curiosity.

Maria Columbus, the president of the Elvis Presley Fan Club, was one of the first to contact Vernon, offering her condolences and asking when she and other fans could visit Graceland. Vernon’s response was startling. He requested that they delay their visit by a week, explaining that the first few days after Elvis’s death would be too chaotic and emotionally charged for any visitors.

At first glance, this request may appear practical—giving the grieving family time to process their emotions and handle the overwhelming flood of visitors.

However, the timing and nature of Vernon’s request raised questions about what was really happening behind the scenes. Why would a grieving father, amidst such a high-profile death, want to delay such an important moment for fans who had been loyal to Elvis for years?

Some theorists speculate that Vernon wanted to avoid the intense media and public scrutiny that would come with such a massive outpouring of grief. Graceland was sure to become the center of attention, and Vernon may have wanted to manage the flow of visitors and control the narrative surrounding Elvis’s death.

Others suggest that Vernon’s actions were driven by a desire to protect the family’s image, considering Elvis’s controversial personal life and rumors that may have surfaced.

The Surreal Atmosphere at Graceland

When Graceland finally opened its doors to fans a week later, the atmosphere was far from what many had expected. Instead of the expected solemnity and mourning, Graceland felt more like a carnival.

Vendors set up booths selling food and merchandise, turning the sacred grounds of Elvis’s home into a bustling marketplace. Fans took photos and posed in front of Elvis’s grave, treating the site more like a tourist attraction than a place for reflection and respect.

This carnival-like atmosphere, filled with chatter and laughter, was a stark contrast to the grief that many fans felt. It seemed as though the true weight of Elvis’s passing had been overshadowed by the frenzy of public spectacle.

The commercialization of Elvis’s death, and the lack of solemnity at his final resting place, was shocking to many who had expected a much more respectful and dignified environment. This only deepened the sense of heartbreak for those who had hoped for a more intimate, mournful tribute to the King of Rock and Roll.

The Missing Items from Elvis’s Estate Inventory

As the funeral proceedings continued and attention turned to the handling of Elvis’s estate, even more strange occurrences began to surface. When the inventory of Elvis’s belongings was made public, fans and close associates were shocked to find that many significant personal items were conspicuously absent.

Items that were known to be invaluable, such as Elvis’s journals, which contained intimate reflections about his life, were not listed in the estate inventory.

Equally puzzling were the missing personal items that Elvis had cherished, including photographs of his mother and daughter. These items were especially significant given Elvis’s well-documented love for his family, making their absence all the more mysterious.

Furthermore, the inventory listed only a small fraction of Elvis’s jewelry, despite his fame for a large collection of flamboyant rings and necklaces. Some even speculated that Elvis’s private jet had disappeared as well.

These discrepancies in the inventory led to even more questions and fueled rumors about what had really happened to Elvis’s personal items. Did Vernon deliberately hide certain things, or were they lost in the confusion following Elvis’s death?

Some suggest that Vernon might have wanted to protect Elvis’s legacy, keeping sensitive information hidden from the public eye. Others believe that financial concerns or undisclosed debts could have played a role in these strange omissions.

Speculations and Implications

The bizarre behavior surrounding Vernon Presley’s actions after Elvis’s death has led to numerous speculations. Was he simply a grieving father trying to manage an overwhelming situation, or did he have ulterior motives?

The missing personal items, the unusual delay in allowing fans to visit, and the odd atmosphere at Graceland all contribute to the larger mystery surrounding Elvis’s death and its aftermath.

Many theorists believe that Vernon may have been trying to protect the family’s privacy and control the narrative during an incredibly vulnerable time.

Others speculate that these actions were part of an effort to preserve Elvis’s legacy in a way that suited the family’s wishes. Whether Vernon was acting out of grief, concern for privacy, or financial motives, his actions have left many unanswered questions that continue to intrigue fans and historians alike.

The strange behavior of Vernon Presley in the days following Elvis’s death only deepens the mystery surrounding the King of Rock and Roll’s final moments. From his request to delay visits to Graceland to the missing personal items from Elvis’s estate, there are many unanswered questions that continue to stir speculation and intrigue.

While the true motivations behind Vernon’s actions may never be fully understood, they have added another layer of complexity to the enduring legend of Elvis Presley. As fans and historians continue to seek answers, the enigma of Elvis’s death remains one of the most captivating mysteries in rock and roll history.