Thousands of Elvis fans visit his grave in Graceland, Memphis

Despite rain, fans of singer Elvis Presley thronged the graveside of the singer in Memphis to play their respects on his 39th death anniversary.

Thousands of fans of legendary singer Elvis Presley have made their annual pilgrimage to Graceland to mark the 39th anniversary of the singer’s death in Memphis. They will participate in a candlelight vigil.

Fans of Elvis Presley came to his grave, located on the grounds of his former home-turned museum, in Graceland to pay their respects.

Despite an intermittent rain, Presley fans from around the world are holding candles and walking slowly through the gravesite of the rock ‘n’ roll icon, who died on August 16, 1977. Since his death, devotees have come to pay their respects at Presley’s grave, which is located on the grounds of his former home-turned-museum.

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Monday night’s vigil caps Elvis Week, the annual celebration of his life and career. Also Monday, officials announced details of a new 200,000 square-foot entertainment complex being built across the street from the Graceland house.

Police presence was heightened due to a nearby protest by activists supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.

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This image provided by Elvis Presley’s Graceland shows an artist's rendering of a new 200,000 square-foot entertainment complex being built across the street from the Graceland tourist attraction in Memphis, Tenn. (AP)