
Elvis Presley, known as the King of Rock and Roll, died in August 1977 at the age of 42. In April 1977, four months before his death, Presley was hospitalized in Memphis, Tennessee, after cancelling a show in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, due to intestinal flu. Presley had a history of health issues, including drug abuse, unhealthy eating habits, and prior hospitalizations for hypertension and colon issues. His drug habit and polypharmacy, or the use of multiple drugs simultaneously, are now generally accepted as the cause of his death by cardiac arrest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 1 April 1977 |
| Reason for Hospitalization | Intestinal flu |
| Treatment | Detoxification |
| Hospital | Baptist Hospital |
| Action Taken | Cancelled a show at the last minute in Baton Rouge, LA |
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What You'll Learn

Elvis Presley was admitted to hospital with intestinal flu
On April 1, 1977, Elvis Presley was admitted to Baptist Hospital in Memphis after canceling a show in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He had been suffering from intestinal flu and flew to Memphis from Louisiana, where he was scheduled to perform. Presley's health had been declining for some time, with years of substance abuse and unhealthy eating severely compromising his health.
Indeed, Presley had been hospitalized several times in the 1970s for various issues, including hypertension and problems with his colon. He also suffered from mild diabetes and liver problems. Despite his health issues, Presley continued to perform and was scheduled to begin another tour in August 1977.
On August 16, 1977, Presley was found unresponsive on the bathroom floor of his Graceland mansion. He was pronounced dead at Baptist Memorial Hospital at 3:30 pm, with his cause of death attributed to cardiac arrest. However, it is now generally accepted that Presley's death was primarily caused by his drug habit and the simultaneous use of multiple drugs.
Investigations into Presley's death revealed that 14 drugs were found in his blood at toxic levels, including codeine, morphine, and Placidyl. The overdose of depressants likely caused him to pass out, and the combination of drugs and the pressure from his body weight stopped his respiration.
In conclusion, while Elvis Presley's hospitalization in April 1977 for intestinal flu may seem relatively minor, it was indicative of his declining health and struggle with substance abuse. His subsequent death just a few months later shocked the world and brought attention to the dangers of drug abuse and the toll it can take on even the most celebrated individuals.
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He had cancelled a show in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
In 1977, Elvis Presley was hospitalized in Memphis, Tennessee, after cancelling a show in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This hospitalization occurred in April, and it was due to intestinal flu. Presley had been on tour, but he abruptly returned to Memphis after getting sand in his eye. Dr. Nick, concerned about a possible scratched cornea, suggested that Presley recuperate at home for a week before resuming his tour.
Presley's health had been declining for some time. He had been hospitalized several times in the 1970s for hypertension and issues with his colon. He suffered from mild diabetes, liver problems, and glaucoma. His unhealthy eating habits and substance abuse, including drug abuse, also severely compromised his health.
Presley's drug habit is widely accepted as a contributing factor to his death just a few months later, in August 1977. An autopsy revealed that 14 drugs were found in his blood, including near-toxic levels of codeine, morphine, and Placidyl. The combination of these drugs likely caused an overdose that led to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
While investigations into Presley's death initially focused on his drug use, known as "polypharmacy," later reports also highlighted the role of his pre-existing health conditions. These included hypertensive heart disease and coronary artery heart disease, which may have been exacerbated by his drug abuse.
The circumstances surrounding Presley's death, including the role of his doctors and their potential over-prescription of medications, have been the subject of much discussion and scrutiny. Despite this, Presley's fans remained devoted to him, and his legacy as the "King of Rock and Roll" endures.
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He was released from hospital on April 5
On April 1, 1977, Elvis Presley was admitted to Baptist Hospital in Memphis after cancelling a show in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Presley had complained of intestinal flu and was flown to Memphis for treatment. This hospitalisation caused the cancellation of tour shows scheduled for March 31 to April 3. Presley was released from hospital on April 5, with plans to resume his personal appearance tours on April 21.
Indeed, Presley did recommence touring on April 21, with a concert at the Greensboro, N.C. Coliseum. This was followed by a series of concerts in Detroit, Michigan; Toledo, Ohio; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. During the Ann Arbor concert, RCA recorded live performances of 'Unchained Melody' and 'Little Darlin', which were later released on the album 'Moody Blue'.
Presley's health had been in decline for some time, with years of substance abuse and unhealthy eating severely compromising his health. He had been hospitalised several times in the 1970s for hypertension and issues with his colon, and also suffered from mild diabetes, liver problems, and glaucoma.
Presley's drug habit is now generally accepted as a cause of his death on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. Medical authorities attributed his death to cardiac arrest, but it is now understood that his drug abuse contributed significantly to his heart trouble. An autopsy revealed that 14 drugs were found in Presley's blood at the time of his death, including near-toxic levels of codeine, morphine, and Placidyl.
In the months leading up to his death, Presley's deteriorating health was evident. By early 1977, journalist Tony Scherman wrote that Presley had become a "grotesque caricature of his sleek, energetic former self". Despite this, Presley continued to perform and was scheduled to fly to Portland, Maine, on the evening of his death, to continue his 1977 concert tour.
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He had been hospitalised several times in the 1970s
In the months leading up to his death in August 1977, Elvis Presley's health had been a growing concern, and he had been hospitalized several times in the 1970s. His drug use, prescription drug abuse, and erratic behaviour had been making headlines and causing concern among his fans and those close to him. Presley had been struggling with his health for some time, and his hospitalization in April 1977 was not an isolated incident. His drug use and health issues had been a recurring theme throughout the decade, and he had been in and out of hospitals on several occasions.
Presley's first hospitalization in the 1970s was in 1973, when he was admitted to the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, for a chest infection and pneumonia. This was a significant event, as it marked the first time that Presley's health issues became public knowledge. He was treated with antibiotics and made a full recovery, but this incident sparked concerns about his health and lifestyle.
Unfortunately, Presley's health issues did not end there. In 1975, he was again hospitalized, this time for a severe liver inflammation, which was likely caused by his excessive drug use and unhealthy lifestyle. This hospitalization was more serious, and it is reported that Presley came close to dying. He spent a significant amount of time in the hospital and underwent a period of recovery and rest afterward.
In the months leading up to his final hospitalization and death in 1977, Presley was again admitted to the Baptist Memorial Hospital in January of that year. This time, it was for a severe case of influenza, and he was also treated for gastrointestinal issues. This hospitalization came at a time when Presley's drug use and health were already a major concern, and it further highlighted the decline in his health and the impact of his lifestyle choices.
Presley's health issues and hospitalizations in the 1970s were often linked to his drug use and unhealthy lifestyle. His prescription drug abuse was well-documented, and it is believed that this was a significant contributing factor to his declining health. Additionally, Presley's busy performance schedule and lack of rest may have exacerbated his health issues.
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He was treated for hypertension and colon issues
In April 1977, Elvis Presley was hospitalized for a period of treatment and recovery that lasted several days. This hospitalization was primarily focused on addressing two key health issues: hypertension and colon problems. At that time, Elvis was struggling with significant health challenges, and these issues had a notable impact on his well-being and daily life.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, was one of the primary concerns. Elvis had been dealing with this condition for some time, and it posed a serious risk to his health. Hypertension can lead to various complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Prescribing medication to lower his blood pressure and reduce the risk of these potential complications was part of his treatment plan. He was also advised on lifestyle changes and dietary modifications to help manage the condition effectively. This included recommendations for a healthier diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques.
Elvis also experienced colon issues, which caused him considerable discomfort and required medical attention. The specific details of his colon problems are not widely known, but it is speculated that he may have suffered from constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or other digestive disorders. To alleviate these issues, he underwent a period of colon cleansing and was likely prescribed medication to regulate his bowel movements and reduce any inflammation or discomfort. Dietary changes and increased fluid intake were probably also part of his treatment regimen.
The hospitalization provided Elvis with a period of rest and recovery, allowing him to focus on his health away from the demands of his busy career and public life. During this time, he was monitored by medical professionals who ensured his treatment plans for hypertension and colon issues were followed consistently. This period of inpatient care gave him the dedicated time and support needed to stabilize his condition and make the necessary adjustments to his lifestyle and medication routines.
Following his release from the hospital, Elvis would have required ongoing management of these health conditions. This included regular check-ups, continued medication, and sustained commitment to the recommended lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, despite the efforts made during this hospitalization, Elvis Presley's health continued to decline, and he passed away just a few months later in August 1977.
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Frequently asked questions
Elvis Presley was admitted to Baptist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, in April 1977 due to intestinal flu.
Elvis had cancelled a show at the last minute in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and was complaining of intestinal flu.
Elvis Presley was discharged from Baptist Hospital on April 5, 1977, and resumed his personal appearance tours on April 21, 1977.
No clear link has been established between this specific hospitalization and his death on August 16, 1977, which was primarily attributed to cardiac arrest and long-term drug abuse.





























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