Elvis star Austin Butler has spoken out about his friendship with Lisa Marie Presley in the wake of her shock death at the age of 54 from cardiac arrest.
Just days before her passing, Butler had paid tribute to the daughter of blues icon Elvis Presley after winning the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his role as the music icon in the Baz Lurhmann-directed biopic.
“I want to thank the Presley family. Thank you, guys. Thank you for opening your hearts, your memories, and your home to me,” Butler said upon receiving his award.
“Lisa Marie, Priscilla, I love you forever,” he added as Lisa Marie became visibly emotional.
the fact this was just two days ago.. rip lisa marie presley pic.twitter.com/VSCasFGDe7
— anya ꩜ (@nerysapologist) January 13, 2023
Upon hearing the news of her sudden death, Butler said in a statement to E! News on Saturday, “My heart is completely shattered for Riley, Finley, Harper and Priscilla at the tragic and unexpected loss of Lisa Marie.
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“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.”
Lisa Marie and Austin had formed a close friendship following the film’s release last year, with Austin recently detailing the moment he met the only daughter of the ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ singer.
“She hugged me with tears in her eyes, and she just said, ‘Thank you,'” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
“She took me upstairs and we went into Elvis’ bedroom and just sat on his bed and just talked for hours.”
Lisa Marie had also gushed over the actor’s portrayal of her famous father, saying he “channelled and embodied my father’s heart and soul beautifully.”
“In my humble opinion,” she wrote on Instagram in May, “his performance is unprecedented and FINALLY done accurately and respectfully. (If he doesn’t get an Oscar for this, I will eat my own foot, haha.)”
On Wednesday, Lisa Marie was rushed to an L.A. hospital after being found unresponsive by her housekeeper at her Calabasas home.
Her ex-husband Danny Keogh reportedly performed CPR on her until paramedics arrived and took over and were able to regain a puls.
Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
A rep for Lisa Marie’s mother, Priscilla Presley, told the publication: “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.”
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