Joe Esposito, Elvis's friend and right-hand of 20 years, dies at 78

LAS VEGAS, : Joe Esposito, road manager for Elvis Presley, is swarmed by autograph hounds at the start of the auction at the MGM Grand Hotel 08 October 1999 in Las Vegas. The auction of Elvis memorabilia is to establish a building fund for the creation of Presely Palace, a transitional housing development to be built in Memphis. AFP PHOTO/John GURZINSKI (Photo credit should read JOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

Joe Esposito, right-hand man to Elvis Presley has died in his Calabasas home. Esposito spent decades as Presley's close friend and road manager.

Right now in heaven, there is a great reunion taking place, perhaps over a peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich.

Joe Esposito was one of Elvis Presley's close friends and the only non-Southern member of his inner circle, the so-called "Memphis Mafia."

The two met in the Army in 1958. A few years later Esposito became something of a personal assistant to Elvis, helping him navigate various personal and business relationships. He was even there to drive Priscilla Presley to the hospital to deliver her daughter with "The King," Lisa Marie Presley, notes columnist John Katsilometes.

Katsilometes writes for the Las Vegas Review -Journal and met Esposito on a few occasions, interviewing him for what would have been Elvis's 75th birthday back in 2010.

He says Esposito was known for his "unassuming" way and his "matter-of-fact relationship with Elvis."

Esposito died last week at the age of 78 at his home in Calabasas, California.

To listen to the whole interview, click on the blue player above.