MEMPHIS (USA): Elvis Presley's ex-wife and their only daughter stunned a crowd of thousands when they unexpectedly greeted fans who had flocked to Graceland for a candlelight vigil marking the 35th anniversary of the singer's death.

The vigil began on Wednesday night after Priscilla Presley and her daughter, Lisa Marie appeared at the Memphis mansion and briefly thanked the crowd for their undying admiration of the rock 'n' roll icon.

It was the first time both women had appeared together at the annual gathering, which became an official event in 1980. Priscilla said the sight of thousands of fans holding up candles in tribute to Elvis was amazing.

‘‘This is something that Elvis would never, ever have believed could have taken place here,” said the actress and businesswoman, who was divorced from Elvis Presley in 1973.  Lisa Marie Presley told the fans she loved them for their devotion to her father.

''I've always avoided this because I felt that it would be too emotional, but I really felt it was important to come down here tonight,” the singer's daughter, herself a singer-songwriter, told the crowd. —AP