The White House sent a letter to be read to the fans noting Presley's "special place in the cultural life of America." It says the anniversary gives fans around the world an opportunity to come together, share memories and celebrate Presley's legacy. The letter will be placed in the Presley archives after being displayed for a limited time in the trophy room at the mansion, Kern said.

Linda Thompson remembers Elvis: The 29th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death was August 16, 2006, and thousands gathered outside Graceland to pay their respects, but only 'Extra's' Carlos Diaz went behind the gates with the ultimate Elvis expert, Linda Thompson. "For the first time in too many years, I'm back at Graceland where Elvis lived and ultimately died 29 years ago this week," Linda said. Linda and Elvis were together for four and a half years and lived together at Graceland during that time. However, she moved out about eight months before his tragic death.

"To the world he was The King," Linda said. "To me he was the sweet southern gentleman who swept me off my feet back in 1972. In Memphis for Elvis Week I got to meet with fans, fanatics and old friends, who I haven't seen in many years who gathered to honor his memory."

Linda gave 'Extra' a tour of Graceland, including the famous Jungle room. "Elvis and I actually went shopping, and we picked out all this furniture together, so I helped him decorate this room," Linda said. "Please keep in mind that it was his taste I was deferring to." Linda also showed us a piece of jewelry she gave Elvis as a Christmas gift one year.

"I designed this Maltese cross for him with our birthstones, each heart, intertwined and brought together by a single diamond," Linda shared. "So many memories, so little time".

Watch a video of the President and Prime Minister as they are greeted at Graceland and enjoy their tour.

© Copyright by Elvis Australia

Linda Thompson was born May 23, 1950 in Memphis, Tennessee. Linda won several beauty pageants, including the 1972 Miss Tennessee USA title. In July of that year she began a relationship with the recently separated Elvis Presley and immediately moved in with him at Graceland for roughly three and a half years.
In 1992 they were nominated for a Grammy Award and an Academy Award for Best Song for their composition of the song 'I Have Nothing' sung by Whitney Houston in the 1992 motion picture, The Bodyguard.