Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis Presley, died on Thursday after being transported to hospital earlier that day, her mother has said in a statement. “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us,” Priscilla Presley said in a statement.
“She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known.” The announcement came just hours after Priscilla had confirmed that Lisa Marie, 54, had been taken to hospital earlier on Thursday. Los Angeles County paramedics were dispatched to a Calabasas home at 10.37am following a report of a woman in full cardiac arrest, according to Craig Little, a spokesperson for the county’s fire department. Property records indicate Lisa Marie was a resident at that address.
According to Sky News, her family, including Priscilla and daughter Riley Keough, had been pictured outside a hospital in Los Angeles shortly before her death was announced.
Her death came just two days after she attended the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills, where she was visibly moved upon learning that Austin Butler had won best actor in a drama film for playing her father in the biopic Elvis. She had given interviews on the red carpet, where she told Entertainment Tonight the star's performance had been "mind-blowing".
Earlier, her mother released a statement on Twitter, which received thousands of responses from well-wishers.
Just last weekend, Lisa Marie was at her father's Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, to mark the anniversary of his birth on 8 January 1935. Elvis, widely considered to be the greatest rock 'n' roll artist, died on 16 August 1977, at the age of 42.
The US singer-songwriter was “rushed” for medical treatment earlier the same day, though no further details were made immediately available. But 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.”
Shortly after the news had been reported, tributes began to flow in from all corners of the world. Nancy Sinatra said she wished “there is a hereafter”. Their fathers, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, sang together multiple times and also featured in a 1960 television special, titled Welcome Home Elvis.
US singer Diane Warren expressed her sorrow: “Oh no. This is such horrible news,” she wrote. Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin expressed her sympathy “as a mother” for Lisa Marie's mother, Priscilla. “I have the image of little Lisa Marie growing up. RIP Lisa Marie Presley,” she added.
Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson said he felt “so bad” about the news. “It’s hard to take when someone so young and full of life passes on,” he said. “I feel so bad about Lisa Marie and I wish the best for her children and her family. Love & Mercy, Brian.”
John Travolta said his “heart goes out” to the family. Sharing a picture of her on Instagram, he wrote: “Lisa baby girl, I’m so sorry. I’ll miss you but I know I’ll see you again."
Rita Wilson says she and Tom Hanks were heartbroken by the death, describing Lisa Marie as “honest and direct” and “gracious”.
And US rock star Pink said the world had “lost a gem”. She wrote on Instagram: “Oh, this one hurts my heart. Lisa Marie, you were one of a kind. Funny as ****, smart as a whip, sensitive, talented, witty, mean, loving, generous, judgmental but always right, loyal, and you adored your children. My heart breaks for you and your beautiful family and your children. The world lost a rare gem today. May your soul rest in peace, friend.”
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