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Lisa Marie Presley jokes in speech at Graceland birthday tribute for dad, days before her death

January 13, 2023 | | Print Article

The daughter of Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday at the age of 54 after suffering cardiac arrest just days after celebrating her famous father’s 88th birthday at Graceland.

(Video Credit: ABC News (Australia))

Family, friends, fans, and celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and John Travolta mourned her tragic passing. She is the iconic daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley and was also formerly married to singer Michael Jackson and actor Nicholas Cage.

During Presley’s brief remarks at the birthday event for her father in Memphis, she thanked fans for supporting Graceland and traveling so far to be there at Elvis’ home.

“It’s been a while; I missed you,” Presley told the crowd on Sunday.

A fan yelled from the audience, “We love you, Lisa!” She responded, “And I love you.”

“I keep saying you’re the only people that can bring me out of my house. I’m not kidding,” Presley noted, drawing a laugh from those in attendance.

Elvis Presley’s only daughter lost her son, Benjamin Keough, to suicide in 2020 and since then has been focusing on her three other children: actress Riley Keough and twin girls Harper and Finley Lockwood. She has pointedly stayed out of the limelight since her son’s death.

“Today, he [Elvis Presley] would have been 88 years old. That’s hard to believe,” his daughter remarked at the birthday celebration. “I think that he would be proud.”

“This year has been an incredible year,” she added.

Presley made comments referring to the film “Elvis” which was released in 2022. Actor Austin Butler played the role of Elvis in the musical drama that spanned the star’s childhood and his rise to fame in the 1950s.

Acting legend Tom Hanks was also in the movie. He played Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

“I think the movie was incredible,” Presley stated. “I am very proud of it and I hope you guys are too.”

Wearing sunglasses in the shade and speaking softly, she told everyone that she “really appreciated” how people “come from all over the world” to visit Graceland to honor her father.

“It’s moving to me and my family. Thank you,” she said before waving to the fans in attendance and exiting the stage.

Presley was found unresponsive and not breathing by her housekeeper at her home in Calabasas. She had suffered cardiac arrest and was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital where she passed away.

According to TMZ, her ex-husband, Danny Keough, was there and performed CPR on her until paramedics arrived and could take over. They administered at least one dose of epinephrine during resuscitation efforts before she was transported to the hospital.

“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,” Priscilla Presley’s representative said in a statement given to Fox News Digital.

“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. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time there will be no further comment,” Priscilla Presley said in a statement given to People.

“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,” Actress Rita Wilson said on Instagram. “She spoke so eloquently about her father, what the movie meant to her, that it was a celebration of her dad.”

“She had a sultry voice, a power and tenderness, that I have always loved. Our hearts and our prayers go out to Riley, Harper, Finley, Danny and Priscilla,” Wilson continued. “A mother should never have to lose a child. Lisa Marie lost her precious son Benjamin, Priscilla loses her only daughter. It’s too much. Sending love to the family, prayers for peace and strength.”

 

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Actress Octavia Spencer tweeted, “So sad that we’ve lost another bright star in Lisa Marie Presley. My condolences to her loved ones and multitude of fans.”

Singer/actress Leann Rimes also mourned her passing on Twitter, “Lisa Marie Presley… how heartbreaking. I hope she is at peace in her dad’s arms. My heart goes out to her family. Too much grief in just a couple of years.”

Actress Leah Remini was also devastated by Presley’s death, “I’m heartbroken over the passing of Lisa Marie Presley. Lisa did not have an easy life, as some might think. May she be at peace, resting with her son and father now. Her mom Priscilla and her three daughters, Riley, Finley, and Harper, are in my prayers.”

“Princess Bride” actor Cary Elwes wrote, “Rest In Peace, Lisa Marie. A sweet and gentle soul. We send our deepest, heartfelt condolences to Priscilla, Riley and her family and friends. Heartbreakingly sad.”

Actor Corey Feldman tweeted, “Another person I shared deep emotion with has passed away! This is so sad & shocking! Lisa & I spent hrs on the phone as she was divorcing MJ, her son Ben was like a little brother 2 me, so much tragedy n their family, my heart is w the Presleys!”

Many, many others were shocked at the death of Lisa Marie Presley and offered their prayers and condolences to her family.

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