Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis, dies aged 54

Virgin Radio

13 Jan 2023, 07:37

Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis Presley, has passed away aged 54. 

The sad news was confirmed by her mother Priscilla, in a statement which read (via BBC): “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us. 

"She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss."

According to reports, Presley suffered a cardiac arrest at her Calabasas home on Thursday (12th January), but no official cause of death has been confirmed. 

Mother Priscilla had previously asked for prayers for her daughter after she was rushed to hospital, writing via Twitter: “My beloved daughter Lisa Marie was rushed to the hospital. She is now receiving the best care. Please keep her and our family in your prayers. We feel the prayers from around the world, and ask for privacy during this time.”

Tributes have been pouring in since the tragic news came to light, with John Travolta writing on Instagram: “Lisa baby girl, I’m so sorry. I’ll miss you but I know I’ll see you again. My love and heart goes out to Riley, Priscilla, Harper and Finley.”

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, who had become close with Presley while making the 2022 Elvis biopic, shared a photo of the star on their Instagram and wrote: “Our hearts are broken with the sudden and shocking passing of Lisa Marie Presley tonight. Tom and I had spent some time with the family during the Elvis movie promotional tour. Lisa Marie was so honest and direct, vulnerable, in a state of anticipation about the movie. She spoke so eloquently about her father, what the movie meant to her, that it was a celebration of her dad.”

On Twitter, Billy Idol commented: “Sad news 2 hear of #LisaMariePresley passing .. she was very loving 2 me, in Memphis in the 90’s she gave me a viewing of the private sections of Graceland which was very special. She was very lovely & we performed together at NYFW early 2000’s. RIP.”

Garbage shared: “Utterly devastated to learn of the hideously premature death of a surprisingly sweet, fierce, generous, talented and painfully vulnerable Lisa Marie Presley. I will treasure you always in my heart girl. Thank you for your kindness. May you now be granted peace.”

Actress Bette Midler said: “Dear God, #LisaMariePresley has died; I’m in shock.  So beautiful and only 54 years old; I can’t actually comprehend it.”

Two days before, at Tuesday’s Golden Globes, Presley and her family watched on as Austin Butler won the best actor in a drama film for portraying her famous father on the big screen, with Hanks starring as his manager. The singer had previously discussed how “mind-blowing” she found Butler’s performance. 

Born in 1968, Presley was nine-years-old when her father, rock’n’roll legend Elvis, passed away aged 42.

She soon followed in her father’s musical footsteps, and released three albums, To Whom It May Concern, Now What and Storm and Grace. 

The pop-rock artist also had a number of high-profile marriages with Michael Jackson, actor Nicolas Cage and musician Michael Lockwood. 

Presley is survived by three children, Riley Keough and twins Finley and Harper Lockwood. Her son, Benjamin Keough, passed away in 2020, and she wrote a touching essay for People Magazine for National Grief Awareness Day. 

The thoughts of everyone at Virgin Radio go out to Lisa Marie's family and friends.