Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann wished Elvis Presley a "Happy Birthday" Tuesday, only it was the anniversary of his death.

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The Republican Minnesota congresswoman made the faux pas while campaigning in South Carolina, CNN reported.

"Before we get started, let's all say 'Happy Birthday' to Elvis Presley today," Bachmann encouraged people at a "Join Team Bachmann" rally in Spartanburg after Presley's "Promised Land" played.

"You can't do better than Elvis Presley and we thought we would celebrate his birthday as we get started celebrating taking our country back to work," she said.

Presley was born Jan. 8, 1935, and died Aug. 16, 1977.

On Sunday during an appearance on CBS' "Meet the Press" Bachmann spent some time explaining her definition of "submissive" after a 2006 clip was played in which she said God directed women to be submissive to their husbands.

"Well, there was a debate earlier this week and that question was asked in the debate and for my husband and I submission means respect, mutual respect," she said.

"You know, I guess it depends on what word people are used to, but respect is really what it means."