Austin Butler has paid a heartfelt tribute to Lisa Marie Presley after the only child of Elvis passed away suddenly.
Lisa Marie, 54, died on Thursday (12 January) after being rushed to hospital from her home in Calabasas, California.
She is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest, with her mother, Priscilla Presley, sharing a statement to say: "It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us."
Just hours before her death, Lisa Marie accompanied her mother to the Golden Globes where Elvis star Butler received the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture-Drama after he took on the role of the King of Rock & Roll.
The actor was known for having dedicated years of his life to the role, and at the ceremony he showed his appreciation to the Presley family for their support while making the film, saying: "I want to thank the Presley family.
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“Thank you, guys. Thank you for opening your hearts, your memories, and your home to me. Lisa Marie, Priscilla, I love you forever.”
Following the news of her death, Butler paid tribute to Lisa Marie in an emotional statement provided to Variety.
"My heart is completely shattered for [Lisa Marie's children] Riley, Finley, Harper and [mother] Priscilla at the tragic and unexpected loss of Lisa Marie," Butler said.
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The actor continued: "I am eternally grateful for the time I was lucky enough to be near her bright light and will forever cherish the quiet moments we shared. Her warmth, her love and her authenticity will always be remembered.”
Butler's kind words about Lisa Marie come after she shared praise of her own for the Elvis star at a party celebrating the film ahead of the Golden Globes, where she said she was 'so overwhelmed by this film and the effect that it's had and what [director] Baz has done, what Austin has done'.
Lisa Marie continued: "I'm so proud. And I know that my father would also be very proud. So, I want to thank you all for being here and I - I'm so overwhelmed with gratitude, so thank you."
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Baz Luhrmann said it was a 'privilege' to have been in Lisa Marie's presence as he honoured her in an Instagram post, adding: "Her sudden, shocking loss has devastated people all around the world. I know her fans everywhere join me in sharing prayers of love and support with her mother, Priscilla, and her wonderful daughters Riley, Finley and Harper. Lisa Marie, we will miss your warmth, your smile, your love.”
Lisa Marie is set to be buried near her father at his home of Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.
Topics: Music, Celebrity, TV And Film
Emily Brown