The King of Rock and Roll may have left the building, but his presence is still felt in the most unexpected—and heartfelt—ways. On January 3, 2026, John Fogerty, the legendary frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival, took a nostalgic trip to Las Vegas that became a moving tribute to one of his own musical heroes: Elvis Presley. Fogerty, now 80 years old, shared his journey with fans on Instagram, posting a series of photos from inside the Westgate Las Vegas hotel, a venue steeped in rock history. For those who know their music lore, the Westgate (formerly the International Hotel) is no ordinary casino—it’s the very stage where Elvis performed over 600 sold-out shows during his iconic eight-year Las Vegas residency from 1969 to 1976.
According to Parade, Fogerty’s visit was more than a sightseeing stop. The "Fortunate Son" rocker retraced the King’s footsteps, standing on the very spot where Elvis would pause before stepping into the blinding lights and deafening cheers of a Vegas crowd. He explored Elvis’ dressing room, soaking in the atmosphere of a place that once buzzed with pre-show rituals and last-minute nerves. The nostalgia was thick in the air. "Visited a special place today—the stage where Elvis played," Fogerty wrote in his Instagram post. "This is the actual spot Elvis stood before hitting stage in Vegas and his dressing room. Standing here on this stage I can’t help but imagine what it was like to see him here."
But there was an extra twist of fate that made the moment even sweeter for Fogerty. Elvis, it turns out, had performed a cover of Fogerty’s own song "Proud Mary" on that very stage. The tune, written for Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1969 album Bayou Country, had become a classic in its own right—covered by legends like Tina Turner and, of course, the King himself. Fogerty didn’t hide his pride: "It even makes it more special knowing he performed my song Proud Mary on this very spot," he added, signing off with a simple, jubilant, "Celebrating Legacy!"
Elvis Presley’s legacy, it seems, is a living, breathing thing. And nowhere is that more apparent than in the lives of those who loved him and those who continue to honor him. If Fogerty’s pilgrimage to the Westgate was a testament to the enduring power of Elvis’ music, Priscilla Presley’s decades-long dedication to preserving the King’s memory is a testament to the man behind the legend.
According to PEOPLE, Priscilla Presley’s journey from a 16-year-old girl saying goodbye to her friend Elvis at Frankfurt Airport in 1960 to becoming a central guardian of his legacy is chronicled in a stunning photo gallery released on January 3, 2026. The gallery, a retrospective of both Priscilla and Elvis through the years, serves up an intimate look at their lives together and apart—from their fairy-tale wedding in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967, to the birth of their daughter Lisa Marie Presley on February 1, 1968, to the countless public and private moments that followed.
One especially poignant image shows Priscilla in 2006, listening on the front lawn of Graceland as Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton addresses a crowd of Elvis fans. That day, Graceland—the Memphis mansion that was once home to the King—was officially designated a National Historic Landmark, joining fewer than 2,500 historic places in the U.S. with that distinction. Priscilla’s presence at such events is never just ceremonial. As she once put it, "Graceland is a living, breathing home," and she’s worked tirelessly to "keep it the way Elvis left it," right down to the barn and horses that were part of everyday life for Elvis.
The photo retrospective highlights Priscilla’s commitment to both family and heritage. There are images of her introducing rescue horses at Graceland, celebrating Elvis’ 80th birthday with Lisa Marie and grandchildren, and speaking to fans at the opening of new exhibits dedicated to Memphis music. In recent years, she’s taken on roles as diverse as advocating for music preservation at a press conference in Nashville in March 2025, speaking at the grand opening of the $45 million "Elvis Presley’s Memphis" entertainment complex, and even making guest appearances in films and television specials that keep the Elvis story alive for new generations.
Through it all, Priscilla has become a bridge between the past and the present, sharing stories with fans during events like "Conversations on Elvis" at Graceland and participating in high-profile ceremonies, from the unveiling of the Elvis Forever stamp to handprint ceremonies in Hollywood alongside Lisa Marie and granddaughter Riley Keough. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed—she’s been honored at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, recognized at the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, and continues to be an in-demand presence at events celebrating both Elvis and the broader Memphis music scene.
It’s not just about nostalgia or sentimentality. Priscilla’s advocacy extends to animal welfare, music education, and cultural preservation, all threads woven together by her deep connection to Elvis’ memory and the impact he had on American music and culture. As PEOPLE notes, Priscilla’s life is punctuated by moments of both public spectacle and quiet reflection—feeding birthday cake to Lisa Marie at Graceland, greeting fans at the FedExForum for anniversary concerts, or sharing memories with world leaders and fellow artists alike.
And yet, the story of Elvis is never static. New generations of fans continue to discover his music and story, whether through blockbuster biopics, museum exhibits, or the simple power of a song like "Proud Mary" echoing through the halls of a Las Vegas hotel. John Fogerty’s recent visit is a reminder of the way music connects us across time, place, and even genre. It’s a conversation that never really ends—a legacy that’s as much about those who remember as it is about the man who first made the world take notice.
As the sun sets on another anniversary of Elvis’ legendary Vegas run, and as Priscilla Presley continues her tireless work to preserve and share his memory, it’s clear that the King’s influence is as potent as ever. Whether through the eyes of fellow musicians like Fogerty or the steadfast dedication of family and fans, Elvis Presley’s legacy endures—not just as a chapter in music history, but as a living, breathing force that shapes the present and inspires the future.