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Events set this week to celebrate Elvis' birthday in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Events begin Thursday in Memphis to mark what would have been Elvis Presley's 82nd birthday, with a cake-cutting ceremony on the front lawn of his home at Graceland.

A total of 164 pieces have been consigned for an auction to be held Saturday at The Guest House at Graceland, where birthday celebration events are being held for the first time.

Many of the authenticated artifacts come from Elvis' theatrical and musical careers, though some are tokens and gifts.

A few of the featured items included in the auction are a gold and diamond lion head ring given to musician and guitarist Charlie Hodge, boxing gloves worn by Presley in the 1962 film "Kid Galahad" and personal clothing. Other items included a divorce document signed by both Elvis and Pricilla Presley, a Colt .32 caliber pistol and a blue suede jacket.

Online bidding is underway at http://www.Graceland.com/Auction .

The 450-room Guest House hotel opened in October. It is part of a $137 million expansion that is also to include an entertainment complex across the street from Graceland.

Presley was 42 when he died in 1977.