The question recently arose: “What’s the first news story you vividly remember from childhood?” For many, major historical events come to mind. For me, while the Iran hostage crisis (1979-1981) definitely left an impression, it was another piece of breaking news from August 16, 1977, that truly stands out in my memory. I can still picture the television programming being interrupted to announce the death of Elvis Presley. It was my first experience witnessing a “Breaking News” alert on TV, a moment that underscored the magnitude of the event.
The announcement of Elvis Presley’s death was more than just news; it was a cultural earthquake. Of course, prominent figures had passed away before, but Elvis’s death felt different, almost surreal. This sense of disbelief lingered, and for many, it never quite dissipated, giving rise to persistent theories about him still being alive. Even 47 years later, these theories continue to resurface, fueled by a collective reluctance to let go of the King of Rock and Roll.
The enduring fascination with Elvis Presley’s legacy took an interesting turn recently with the emergence of John Burroughs, an 89-year-old Kentucky resident. Residents of Pulaski County, and those who have seen his image online, are struck by Burroughs’ uncanny resemblance to Elvis. Adding fuel to the speculative fire is the fact that Burroughs is the same age Elvis Presley would be today.
John Burroughs is described as a reclusive figure, rarely seen in town. When questioned about his striking similarity to Elvis Presley, he reportedly dismisses it with a laugh. This only deepens the intrigue for those captivated by the idea of Elvis sightings.
However, the source of the John Burroughs story adds a crucial layer of context. The Somerset Insider, where the story originated, is known as a satire website on Facebook. This revelation suggests that the John Burroughs “Elvis look-alike” story is likely intended as humorous content, playing on the long-standing fascination with Elvis and the persistent rumors of his continued existence.
In online discussions surrounding John Burroughs, artificial intelligence (AI) is frequently mentioned. Indeed, the circulated image of Burroughs bears a resemblance to the “what if they were still alive” AI-generated portraits that are now common online. This connection to AI imagery further blurs the line between reality and fabricated content in the digital age.
So, while John Burroughs may bear a resemblance to Elvis Presley, and the timing aligns with Elvis’s hypothetical present age, the story appears to be a cleverly crafted piece of satire. It serves as a reminder of Elvis Presley’s lasting impact on popular culture and how his image continues to be reinterpreted and reimagined in the modern digital landscape, even inspiring humorous and thought-provoking fictional narratives.
Stacker used Getty Images to compile photos of beloved actors from when they were children. How many can you guess from their childhood picture alone?
