MEMPHIS, Tenn. - George Klein, a longtime friend of Elvis Presley and renowned disc jockey in Memphis, has died at the age of 83 after a long battle with illness, according to several sources close to the family.

A post in the Facebook group ‘Welcome to the World of Elvis’ earlier indicated Klein's health was deteriorating and "his condition is very poor." The post was shared more than 1,200 times, and it has been followed up by words of support by many notable names.

Klein passed away shortly before 7 p.m. Tuesday after complications from dementia, sources told FOX13.

Priscilla Presley tweeted Tuesday that “he has been with hospice care…Prayers for George Klein.”

He has been with hospice care...Prayers for George Klein

— Priscilla Presley (@Cilla_Presley) February 5, 2019

Priscilla previously posted information for people who wanted to send get well cards to Klein.

Guess FM reacted to Klein's death on Twitter Tuesday night.

A member of the Guess FM family has passed away. Elvis’ childhood friend George Klein has passed away at the age of 83. — feeling heartbroken

— Guess FM (@GuessFM) February 6, 2019

John Calipari – the former University of Memphis and current University of Kentucky men’s basketball head coach – weighed in hours earlier. He said Klein was “having a tough time and could use our prayers.”

Coach Cal went on to discuss his relationship with Klein – and his love for the Tigers.

George Klein, my loyal friend from Memphis who was a part of the Memphis Mafia, Elvis Presley’s crew, is having a tough time and could use our prayers.

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) February 5, 2019

I’ve been back to see GK a couple different times recently. He was a well-known DJ and also a part of SiriusXM Radio. The stories he has of Elvis are amazing, and not just about concerts but about how he was to people he cared about.

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) February 5, 2019

Before every game when I was at Memphis, GK would come in and sit down with me before the game and then he would come in after the game and we’d talk. He was one of the biggest supporters I had in the city. He absolutely loved the run we went on.

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) February 5, 2019

GK is one of Memphis’ finest. He has been an unbelievable ambassador for the city, for Graceland, for Elvis Presley and his family. He is a special guy. I had communion for him this morning and lit a candle for him. Praying for you, buddy.

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) February 5, 2019

Memphis rapper Lil Wyte also commented on Klein.

My good friend GK George Klein is not doing good. He’s in ICU and getting close to taking that last ride “HOME” I will miss him very much. Going to see him first thing tomorrow. The first… https://t.co/Xs4VBtYQot

— #LilWyte (@Lil_Wyte_) February 5, 2019

Klein and Elvis were 13 years old when they met, according to a profile on Medium.com. The SirusXM deejay paid tribute to his friend on the airwaves, up until the point where health caused him to step away from the microphone in 2018.

Read more about the relationship between Elvis Presley and George Klein here.

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