Nicolas Cage said his ex-wife, Lisa Marie Presley, “lit up every room” and had “the biggest laugh I’ve ever known”.
The Hollywood actor said the news of the US singer’s death was “heartbroken” but found solace in the belief that he was reunited with his son, Benjamin Keough.
The couple married briefly in August 2002, but Cage filed for divorce shortly after in November, which was finalized in 2004.
Presley’s death at the age of 54 was announced by his family on Thursday.
The singer, Elvis’ only child, arrived shortly after being “hurried” to the hospital earlier that day.
“This is devastating news,” Cage said in a statement shared with the PA news agency.
“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.”
Presley’s son died by suicide in 2020, and last year he wrote an article published by the US publication People about the “terrible truth” of his grief after his death.
“I have been dealing with death, grief and loss since I was nine years old. I’ve had more than anyone’s fair share of this in my life, and somehow I’ve made it so far,” he wrote in August.
Presley has been married four times, first to musician Danny Keough, then to Michael Jackson, Cage, and later to music producer Michael Lockwood.
Her 1994-1996 marriage to Jackson was arguably the most famous, as it supposedly reunited the King of Pop with the King’s daughter.
La Toya Jackson, sister of the Thriller singer, said Presley “will be in our hearts forever”.
Alongside a video montage of photos of her deceased brother and Presley from Michael’s hit track You Are Not Alone, La Toya wrote: “We miss you Lisa!
“You will forever be in our hearts, I will never forget how much you shared your love for my brother with me, thank you for being so honest #RIP.”
Elsewhere, Baz Luhrmann, director of the recent Elvis Presley biography, said he would miss Presley’s “warmth, smile and love”.
His death came two days after actor Austin Butler attended the Golden Globes, where he won the best actor award for portraying his father in Luhrmann’s film.
Speaking at a pre-ceremony event at the Golden Globes, Presley said he was “overwhelmed” by the film and its impact.
“I am very proud and I know my father will be very proud too… I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” he said.
Under a photo of Butler and Presley laughing on Instagram, Luhrmann wrote: “Over the past year, the entire Elvis film 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 his fans are joining me everywhere to share their prayers of love and support with his mother Priscilla and their wonderful daughters Riley, Finley and Harper.
“Lisa Marie, we will miss your warmth, your smile, your love.”
Donatella Versace, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were among the stars of the entertainment world who hailed Presley for his “beauty and kindness.”
The Duchess of York described Presley as a “faithful friend” and said the singer would be “in my heart”.
Sarah Ferguson shared a photo of them hugging each other, saying, “I say hello to you every day and I love you son and I will continue to say hello every day.
You were my sissy, a wonderful mother to Ben, Riley, Harper and Finley, and an extremely loving daughter to Priscilla.
“You have been my faithful friend for many years and I am here to support and love your family. I am so sorry sister, you are in my heart.”
Designer Versace said, “I will never forget the times we spent together.
“Your beauty and kindness shone so brightly. Rest in peace Lisa Marie. We never forget you.”
Hanks and his wife, Wilson, who starred in the latest Elvis biopic, recalled spending time with Presley and his family during the film’s promotional tour last year, saying he was “very honest, direct, vulnerable, anticipating the future”. film”.
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.
“Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie,” a statement shared by her family announcing Presley’s death with the PA news agency.
They are deeply grateful for everyone’s support, love and prayers and are asking for privacy at this very difficult time.”