Elvis Presley's ex-wife Priscilla and their daughter, Lisa Marie, have greeted thousands of fans who flocked to Graceland for a candlelight vigil marking the 35th anniversary of the singer's death.

The vigil opened Wednesday night after Priscilla Presley thanked the crowd for their enduring admiration of the rock'n'roll icon. Lisa Marie Presley said she avoided making appearances at past vigils because she always thought they would be too emotional.

This was the first time both women had appeared together at the annual candlelight vigil, a tradition dating back to the early 1980s.

Elvis admirers from around the globe flock each August to Graceland, where the singer is buried.