Joe Esposito was a close friend and aide of Elvis Presley, the legendary rock and roll singer who died in 1977. Esposito met Presley in the Army in 1958 and became his professional assistant, road manager, and confidant for the next 17 years. He was also one of the two best men at Presley’s wedding to Priscilla in 1967 and a pallbearer at his funeral in 1977. Esposito died on November 23, 2016, at the age of 78. But what was the cause of his death?
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Natural Causes After Dementia
According to his daughter Cindy Bahr, Esposito died of natural causes in California after suffering from dementia. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental abilities that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It can be caused by various diseases or conditions that damage the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease. Dementia can affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities, communicate, and interact with others. It can also cause mood changes, hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
Esposito’s daughter said that he had been diagnosed with dementia about four years before his death and that his condition had worsened in the last year of his life. She said that he had trouble remembering things and recognizing people, and that he sometimes thought that Elvis was still alive. She also said that he was surrounded by his family and friends when he passed away peacefully at his home in Calabasas.
A Life Dedicated to Elvis
Esposito was born on January 22, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the Army in 1957 and met Presley in 1958 at an Army base in Friedberg, West Germany. They became friends and served together until they were both discharged in 1960. Esposito then became Presley’s assistant, a role that involved managing his tours, finances, security, and personal affairs. He was also a member of Presley’s inner circle, known as the “Memphis Mafia”, along with Red West and Marty Lacker.
Esposito appeared in some of Presley’s movies, such as It Happened at the World’s Fair and Kissin’ Cousins, and was often seen by his side in public events. He was one of the first people to find Presley’s body when he died at Graceland on August 16, 1977, and he broke the news of his death to Priscilla and Presley’s manager Tom Parker. He later said that losing Elvis was like losing a brother.
After Presley’s death, Esposito continued to work as a road manager for other artists, such as Michael Jackson and The Bee Gees. He also became an author and publisher of several books about Presley, such as Good Rockin’ Tonight: Twenty Years on the Road and on the Town with Elvis. He was a consultant on many projects related to Presley, such as the movie This Is Elvis and the CBS special Elvis by the Presleys. He also gave interviews and participated in fan events to share his memories and insights about Presley.
Esposito was married twice and had three children: two daughters with his first wife Joan Kardashian, who later married into the famous Kardashian family; and one son with his second wife Martha Gallub, who died in 2012 after a long battle with cancer.
A Legacy of Friendship and Loyalty
Esposito was widely respected and admired by Presley’s fans and colleagues for his friendship and loyalty to the King of Rock and Roll. He was considered one of the most reliable and credible sources on Presley’s life and career. He was also praised for his professionalism and kindness by the artists he worked with after Presley’s death.
Esposito’s death was mourned by many people who knew him or were influenced by him. Priscilla Presley said that he was “one of our closest friends” who “was always there for Elvis” . Lisa Marie Presley said that he was “a dear friend” who “loved my father dearly” . Jerry Schilling, another member of the Memphis Mafia, said that he was “a great friend” who “was always there for me”. Larry King, who interviewed Esposito several times, said that he was “a terrific guy” who “knew everything about Elvis” .
Esposito’s legacy lives on through his books, interviews, home movies, and other contributions to the preservation and celebration of Presley’s legacy. He is also remembered as a devoted friend and aide who stood by Presley through the highs and lows of his life and career. He once said: “I was with him for 17 years, day and night. We laughed together, we cried together, we played together, we worked together. He was my best friend.”
