Lydia Cox’s Elvis collection

On Aug. 16, 2002, the 25th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, Lydia Cox attended an Elvis Week celebration in Memphis.

“I fell in love with a dead man,” says the account advisor at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.

She has so much Elvis memorabilia it’s spilled beyond its dedicated room. There are cookie jars, towels, rugs and games. She owns Elvis Christmas ornaments, even Elvis luggage and purses.

Cox, who has visited Graceland more than 25 times, says she either buys her Elvis memorabilia or receives it as gifts.

She figures her collection is worth more than $5,000, but she’ll never sell.

“Sure, we [fans] are a little throwed off,” Cox laughs. “But we don’t care. We’re just enjoying ourselves and having nonstop fun.”

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Her favorites

1. Pictures. I have pictures of all of Elvis’ band, many friends, bodyguards and co-stars. One of my favorites is at the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport in his dressing room shower. Now, how cool is that?!

2. Scarf. Most, if not all, tribute artists give out scarves, and I have many. My favorite artist is Brandon Bennett. He is the best, and we are very lucky he lives here.

3. CD collection. I have several CDs that aren’t sold in the United States and are from shows he did while overseas during his Army years. I love all of Elvis’s music.

4. Books and jewelry. I have autographed books from Elvis’s friends, maid, cook, etc. The jewelry I treasure [includes] a replica of a ring Elvis had made for Priscilla, and a TCB [taking care of business] lightning necklace.