3 Famous Funeral Services & Burials

Funeral services often help those left behind quietly memorialize and grieve for a loved one who has passed away. But when the deceased was famous, all gloves come off. Elaborate memorials are all the rage. We recap three of our favorites below.  |

3 Extravagant Celebrity Funeral Services You Won’t Believe

Michael Jackson (2009) Cost: $1 Million

When “The King of Pop” suddenly passed away at the age of 51, fans worldwide grieved. In fact, a lottery allowed 17,000 fans to attend to the funeral. More than 1.2 million people applied for a coveted spot in less than 24 hours! The service was held at the Staple’s Center, in Los Angeles. Celebrities attended en masse. Some included: Mariah Carey, Eddie Murphy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Maya Angelou. The funeral service remains the most watched such service in history, with billions of viewers tuning in worldwide (yes, billions, with a “b”). After the lavish affair, his family buried him in an intimate graveside service at Forest Lawn.

Princess Diana (1997) Cost: $7.7 Million (or 5 Million Pounds)

Princess Diana’s tragic death left the world in shock. In life, millions scrutinized and adored her. Their interest and enthusiasm didn’t end when she died. She was divorced from married the crown prince of England at the time of her death. However, based on her position as mother to heirs-to-the-throne, royals finally agreed to grant her a royal burial. An estimated one million mourners lined London streets to watch her burial procession. After her service in Westminster Abbey, loved ones sat graveside as she was buried in a peaceful nook on her family estate of Althorp.

Elvis Presley (1977) Cost: $24,000

The undisputed “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley served as a pivotal pioneer for Rock and Roll. When he suddenly and unexpectedly died from a drug overdose, more than 80,000 grief-stricken fans rushed to Memphis to mourn. President Carter sent 300 National Guardsmen to help maintain order. Hollywood elite, such as James Brown, Caroline Kennedy, and Sammy Davis Jr., attended his burial service. And in Memphis, flags were lowered to half-mast. Adding to the drama surrounding his death, his cousin accepted $18,000 from The National Enquirer in exchange for pictures of his cousin’s body. Geesh!

About Foothill Funeral & Cremation

We know your loved one was very important to you. And we value the opportunity to celebrate his or her life or help you pre-plan a service for yourself. Feel free to contact us now to pre-plan your own memorial or at your time of need (626) 335-0615. Our relationship with United Methodist Church and Sacred Heart provide great places for mourners to host funerals and memorials. You’ll love the grandiose yet intimate settings in both locations.

We also specialize in helping with burial arrangements and proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Finally, working in the mortuary industry since 1996, our reputation is one of quality, sincerity and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or contact us via email.