Singer Lisa Marie Presley, only child of Elvis, dies aged 54

ITV News' Rishi Davda looks back on Lisa Marie Presley's life and career after her death aged 54


Lisa Marie Presley, US singer and only child of Elvis Presley, has died at the age of 54, her family has confirmed.

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, though no further details were made immediately available.

But a statement 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.”

Elvis Presley poses with wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie. Credit: AP

Many famous faces including Pink, John Travolta and Diane Warren, have paid tribute to the singer-songwriter.

In an Instagram post on behalf of herself and husband Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson 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.

"She had her gorgeous daughters Finley and Harper with her who made us all laugh.”

Tom Hanks and Rita Wislson were among the many celebrities to pay tribute to Presley. Credit: PA

Wilson said Presley had been “gracious” enough to show her around Graceland – the mansion where her father lived in Memphis, Tennessee.

Travolta said his "heart goes out" to the Presley family, writing: “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.”

US pop star Pink said the world had “lost a gem” and praised Presley’s love of her children.

Presley with her daughter Riley Keough (left) and her twin daughters Finley Lockwood and Harper Lockwood. Credit: AP

“Oh, this one hurts my heart. Lisa Marie, you were one of a kind,” she wrote on Instagram.

“Funny as s**t, 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.”

Marie Osmond said her “heart aches” for Presley’s family as well, but was certain that her “reunion” with her father would be “glorious”.

She wrote on Twitter: “It was a great joy when Lisa Marie came to Vegas! My heart aches for Priscilla and Lisa Marie’s children this evening.

"While death stings for those of us who are left behind, I’m sure the reunion with her son and dad is glorious. My prayers are with her loved ones.”

Presley standing next to her childhood crib displayed at Graceland in 2012. Credit: AP

Presley's death came shortly after she attended the 80th annual Golden Globe awards on Tuesday, where actor Austin Butler took home the best actor award for his portrayal of her father.

Speaking at a pre-ceremony event, she 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.

The official account of the Golden Globe awards, where Presley made her final public appearance, said she had been “a very welcome presence” at Tuesday’s event.

“We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Lisa Marie Presley,” a statement read.

“She was an extremely talented Singer/Songwriter and a very welcome presence at the Golden Globes this past Tuesday. May you rest in peace.”

On Thursday, her mother, Priscilla Presley, said she had been receiving “the best care” in hospital, and asked for fans to keep the family in their prayers.

The singer was married four times, first to musician Danny Keough, then singer Michael Jackson, actor Nicolas Cage, and music producer Michael Lockwood.

Her only son, Benjamin Keough, who was also a musician, died in 2020 aged 27. The Los Angeles County coroner ruled his death as a suicide.

Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley appearing at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York in 1994. Credit: AP

She is survived by daughter Riley Keough, a 33-year-old actress, and 14-year-old twin daughters Harper and Finley Lockwood.

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.

Days before her death, she visited Graceland, the mansion owned by her father in Memphis, Tennessee, to celebrate his birthday of January 8.

Upon her father’s death, at the age of nine years old, she became the joint heir to his estate, with her grandfather, Vernon Presley, and her great-grandmother, Minnie Mae Hood Presley.

Priscilla Presley, second from left, Lisa Marie Presley, second from right & Lisa Marie's children Riley Keough, left and Benjamin Keough. Credit: AP

In 1993, when she turned 25 she took full control of the estate and formed The Elvis Presley Trust, to continue its successful management.

Last year, Presley penned an essay published by US publication People about “the horrific reality” of her grief following her son Benjamin Keough’s death by suicide in 2020.

“I’ve dealt with death, grief and loss since the age of 9 years old. I’ve had more than anyone’s fair share of it in my lifetime and somehow, I’ve made it this far,” she wrote in August.


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