Priscilla sees Elvis as a gospel singer

MEMPHIS, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Priscilla Presley, former wife of Elvis Presley, says if the late U.S. singer were still alive, she believes he would likely be a gospel singer.

As scores of Elvis fans worldwide honored the late rock 'n' roll singer's birthday Friday -- he would have been 75 -- Priscilla Presley told The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal the "Hound Dog" singer likely would be shocked by how long his popularity has persevered.

"Never in his life would he have thought that there would still be that level of interest in him," she said of her former husband, who died Aug. 16, 1977.

As part of a year-long celebration of Elvis's birthday, special exhibits were added to Graceland and The Grammy Museum. In addition, Graceland Plaza held a honorary ceremony Friday and Cirque du Soleil has created a circus performance based on the late singer.

Priscilla Presley, 64, who married Elvis in 1967 and divorced him in 1973, told The Commercial Appeal her take on his fame decades after his death.

"He had the package deal. He had the looks, the physique, the voice, those dreamy eyes. You can see why women all over the world fell in love with him," she said.