Vernon Presley not only had to deal with the passing of his wife, Gladys Presley, but also his son, Elvis Presley. The “Can’t Help Falling in Love” singer died in 1977 at age 42, per USA Today. Initial reports suggested that the musician died due to “cardiac arrhythmia.” However, toxicology reports later revealed that Elvis had a handful of drugs in his system. Elvis’ death was sudden, and at the time, Vernon was Elvis’ only living parent.
Elvis was Vernon’s only child, and having to see him die was heartbreaking. He told Good Housekeeping, “Elvis’ death was so sudden that it will be years before I’ll be able to accept the fact that it really happened.” Vernon admitted he discovered his son was dead after one of the musician’s workers called his office saying, “Elvis was not breathing.” Vernon revealed how he had spoken to Elvis only days before his death. Recalling their conversation, Vernon said, “A few days before he died, Elvis and I talked at Graceland for five or six hours about all sorts of things until I finally said, ‘Son, I have to go home now and get something to eat.’ ‘I know, Daddy,’ Elvis told me. ‘But I want you to know that I’ve really enjoyed this.’ So had I.”
Vernon had to deal with something no parent should ever ave to do, as he had to bury his son right next to his late wife, Gladys.
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