Austin Butler said the news of Lisa Marie Presley’s death “completely shattered his heart” and will “forever cherish” the moments they spent together.
The US actor, who plays the singer’s father in Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning biopic Elvis, said Presley’s “warmth and authenticity” will always be remembered.
Presley’s death at the age of 54 came two days after Butler attended the Golden Globe awards, where he won Best Actor for his role in Elvis.
“My heart has been completely shattered for Riley, Finley, Harper and Priscilla at the tragic and unexpected loss of Lisa Marie,” Butler shared with the PA news agency.
“I am eternally grateful to have been lucky enough to be close to her bright light and cherish the quiet moments we shared forever.
“His warmth, love and originality will always be remembered.”
Luhrmann wrote under a photo of Butler and Presley laughing in her own praise on Instagram: “Over the past year, the entire Elvis movie family and I have felt privileged to have Lisa Marie’s gentle embrace.
“His sudden, shocking loss has devastated people all over the world. I know her fans everywhere are joining me to share their prayers of love and support for her (family)… Lisa Marie, we will miss your warmth, your smile, your love.”
Olivia DeJonge, who plays Priscilla Presley in the film, also wrote on her Instagram Story that she was “(shattered by the news and) privileged to feel her magnificent presence”.
“I am forever grateful to him for the kindness and love he has shown me and the entire Elvis family.”
Tom Hanks, who also starred in the recent Elvis biopic, and his wife, Rita Wilson, recalled spending time with Presley and his family during the film’s promotional tour last year, saying he was “in a very honest, direct, vulnerable, vulnerable situation”. expectation about the movie”.
Donatella Versace, Sarah, the Duchess of York, and Presley’s ex-husband, Nicolas Cage, were among those who paid tribute.
Michael Jackson’s sister, La Toya Jackson, also said the late singer “will be in our hearts forever”.
Presley’s marriage to Michael Jackson between 1994 and 1996 was arguably the most famous as it supposedly reunited the King of Pop with the King’s daughter.
She married three more times, first to musician Danny Keough, then to Jackson, then to Hollywood star Cage, and later to music producer Michael Lockwood.
In a statement shared with PA, Cage said, “This is devastating news.
“Lisa gave the biggest laugh I’ve ever known. It brightened every room and it broke my heart. It gives me some comfort to believe that she is reunited with her son Benjamin.”
The couple married briefly in August 2002, but Cage filed for divorce shortly after in November, which was finalized in 2004.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Presley continued to pursue a career in the music industry, releasing three albums: To Whom It May Concern in 2003, Now What in 2005, and Storm and Grace in 2012.
It was featured on a new record, Where No One Stands Alone, released in 2018 to celebrate his father’s love for gospel music, and featured 14 original performances recorded by him.
The title song is a redesigned duet that Lisa Marie sang with her father, who died in 1977 at the age of 42.
He visited Graceland to celebrate his birthday on January 8, days before his death.
Upon his father’s death when he was just nine years old, he became co-heir to his legacy with his grandfather Vernon Presley and great-grandmother Minnie Mae Hood Presley.
At the age of 25 in 1993, he took full control of the property and formed The Elvis Presley Trust to continue his successful management.
In a statement shared by Presley’s family announcing her death, “Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie.
They are deeply grateful for everyone’s support, love and prayers and are asking for privacy at this very difficult time.”