Elvis final years photos shared by ex Linda Thompson in touching tribute to The King

Elvis Presley would have turned 89 today had he not tragically died at just 42 back in 1977.

Linda Thompson, who dated and lived with The King at Graceland from 1972-77, has paid tribute to her old flame today on Instagram.

The 73-year-old captioned her post, which you can view below: “Difficult to fathom that Elvis would have been 89 years old today had he lived to see this birthday. I, along with the rest of the world, wish he had.

“I often feel as if he is my guardian angel watching over me, just as I watched over him in the 4 1/2 years we lived together.

“Happy heavenly birthday to this beautiful, iconic, legendary man. And a huge thank you to all the legions of fans around the world who keep his memory alive.”

Commenting on the video and photos attached, Linda wrote: “Scroll through to see the photos of Elvis and me spending his penultimate birthday – his 41st – together in Vail. Beautiful memories.”

Elvis turned 41 in January 1976. By Christmas that year, he and Linda had split amicably as she wanted a more normal life.

The King would date Ginger Alden for his final eight months before his sudden death of a heart attack on August 16, 1977.