Friday marks the anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley.


The Mississippi-born singer died of a heart attack and a suspected overdose on August 16, 1977.


His death shook the world, and even the American president at the time was moved to make a statement about it.


elvis presley


Elvis Presley (pictured here in 1956) died on August 16, 1977

Jimmy Carter said: "Elvis Presley's death deprives our country of a part of itself. He was unique and irreplaceable. More than 20 years ago, he burst upon the scene with an impact that was unprecedented and will probably never be equalled.


"His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture. His following was immense, and he was a symbol to people the world over of the vitality, rebelliousness, and good humour of his country.


Had he lived, the King of rock n’ roll would now be 78-years-old. Rest in peace, Elvis.





  • (FILES) Rock'n roll legend Elvis Presley


    (FILES) Rock'n roll legend Elvis Presley shows his sergeant insignia on February 14, 1960 in Friedberg, Germany, during his military service. Elvis spent 17 months in Friedberg, Germany, between October 1958 and March 1960 as a GI. Elvis Aaron Presley was born 08 January, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi and was found dead 16 August 1977 from a drug-induced heart attack in his bathroom at Graceland, a colonial estate in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images)




  • Undated picture of US rock star Elvis Pr


    Undated picture of US rock star Elvis Presley, born in Tupelo Mississipi on January 8,1935 and dead 16 August 1977 in Memphis. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read STF/AFP/Getty Images)




  • FILE - This 1972 file photo shows Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, during a performance. Digital Domain Media Group announced Wednesday, June 6, 2012 that it is creating a Presley hologram for shows, film, TV and other projects worldwide, including appearances. Digital Domain is linking with Core Media Group, which handles various brands, personalities and properties. (AP Photo, file)




  • PRESLEY


    FILE - In this undated file photo released by NBC-TV, singer Elvis Presley is shown in concert in the later part of his career. On June 6, 2012, Digital Domain Media Group announced it was creating a hologram Presley for shows, film, TV, and other projects worldwide, including appearances. Permission was granted from Elvis Presley Enterprises.(AP Photo/NBC-TV, FILE)




  • Elvis Presley in a promotional photo for Jailhouse Rock released by MGM on November 8, 1957 (PA)




  • Elvis Presley photographed during a promotional shoot for his first role in a film 'Love Me Tender' (PA)




  • Elvis Presley photographed during a promotional shoot for new film 'King Creole' (PA)




  • Elvis Presley. Circa 1962 (PA)




  • Elvis Presley is shown in a U.S. Army uniform (PA)




  • American rock and roll legend Elvis Presley smiles after he is promoted to army sergeant at the U.S. Army Unit's maneuver headquarters in Grafenwoehr, Germany in this Feb. 11, 1960 file photo. A belt worn by Presley during his 1972 performance in Honolulu has been auctioned for $66,000, more than six times the auction estimate. The belt was among several celebrity items that were sold to bidders in an interactive auction held Saturday in New York by Los Angeles-based Julien's Auctions. (AP Photo/File)




  • Elvis Presley poses by his Christmas tree at home in Memphis, Tenn., in 1960. (AP Photo)




  • Elvis Presley poses by his Christmas tree at home in Memphis, Tenn., in 1960. (AP Photo)




  • Singer Elvis Presley, 21, takes his pre-induction written examination as he is processed for the U.S. Army in Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 4, 1957. (AP Photo)




  • Elvis Presley is shown in uniform at company D 1st Battalion 32nd U.S. Army Armour at the barracks area in Friedberg, Germany, 1958. (AP Photo)




  • Elvis Presley photographed during a promotional shoot for new film 'Flaming Star' (PA)




  • South African dancer and actress Juliet Prowse and Elvis (PA)