Austin Butler’s tribute to Elvis Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie and former wife Priscilla has gone viral in the wake of the 54-year-old’s death.
At Tuesday night’s (January 10) Golden Globes, Butler won Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his portrayal of the King in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis.
During his acceptance speech, the 33-year-old shared his gratitude to the mother and daughter for “opening their hearts” to him as he undertook the role.
He shared: “I want to thank the Presley family.
“Thank you, guys. Thank you for opening your hearts, your memories, and your home to me.
“Lisa Marie, Priscilla, I love you forever.”
We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Lisa Marie Presley. She was an extremely talented Singer/Songwriter and a very welcome presence at the Golden Globes this past Tuesday. May you rest in peace ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BL8q0cfUAk
— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 13, 2023
Just two days before her death, Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley were in attendance at the 80th Golden Globes in support of Butler.
Speaking at a pre-ceremony event, Lisa Marie said she had been “overwhelmed” by the film and the effect that it had.
“I’m very proud and I know that my father would be very proud… I’m overwhelmed with gratitude,” she said.
In light of her passing, organisers of the Golden Globes said Lisa Marie had been “a very welcome presence” at the ceremony, in a statement which paid tribute to her as “an extremely talented singer/songwriter”.
The Twitter post read: “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Lisa Marie Presley. May you rest in peace.”
In a statement, the Presley family said they were “shocked and devastated” by the news, which was announced on Thursday.
The US singer-songwriter was “rushed” for medical treatment earlier the same day.
A statement, shared with the PA news agency a short while later, read: “Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie.
“They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”
Los Angeles County paramedics had been dispatched to a home in the Californian city of Calabasas at 10.37am following a report of a woman in full cardiac arrest, according to a spokesperson for the county’s fire department. Property records indicate Presley was a resident at that address.
On Thursday, her mother, Priscilla, said she had been receiving “the best care” in hospital, and asked for fans to keep the family in their prayers.
Following in the footsteps of her father, Presley pursued a career in the music industry, releasing three albums; To Whom It May Concern in 2003, Now What in 2005, and Storm & Grace in 2012.
In 2018, she featured on a new record, titled Where No One Stands Alone, which was released to celebrate her father’s love of gospel music, and featured 14 original performances recorded by him.
The title track was a reimagined duet, in which Lisa Marie dueted with her father – who died at the age of 42 in 1977.
