Death
Parker made his last public appearances in 1994. By this point, he was a sick man who could barely even leave his own house. On January 20, 1997, Parker's wife heard a crashing sound from the living room, and when no response was heard from her calls, she went in to find him slumped over in his chair. He had suffered a stroke.
Parker died the following morning in Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of 87. His death certificate listed his country of birth as the Netherlands but his citizenship as American. His funeral was held at the Hilton Hotel, and was attended by friends and former associates including Eddy Arnold and Sam Phillips. Priscilla attended to represent the Elvis Presley Estate, and gave a eulogy that, to many in the room, summed up Parker perfectly: "Elvis and the Colonel made history together, and the world is richer, better and far more interesting because of their collaboration. And now I need to locate my wallet, because I noticed there was no ticket booth on the way in here, but I'm sure that the Colonel must have arranged for some toll on the way out." For the public, Parker's passing went mostly unnoticed.
Read more about this topic: Colonel Tom Parker
Famous quotes containing the word death:
“Life folded Death; Death trellised Life; the grim god wived with youthful Life, and begat him curly-headed glories.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)
“As death, when we come to consider it closely, is the true goal of our existence, I have formed during the last few years such close relations with this best and truest friend of mankind, that his image is not only no longer terrifying to me, but is indeed very soothing and consoling! And I thank my God for graciously granting me the opportunity ... of learning that death is the key which unlocks the door to our true happiness.”
—Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
“I asked myself, “Is it going to prevent me from getting out of here? Is there a risk of death attached to it? Is it permanently disabling? Is it permanently disfiguring? Lastly, is it excruciating?” If it doesn’t fit one of those five categories, then it isn’t important.”
—Rhonda Cornum, United States Army Major. As quoted in Newsweek magazine, “Perspectives” page (July 13, 1992)