Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of legendary singer Elvis Presley, died Thursday in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 54. Press reports state that the cause of death was a cardiac arrest.
Lisa Marie’s mother, Priscilla Presley, issued the following statement: “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.”
Presley was the mother of four children and was formerly married to Michael Jackson and Nicolas Cage. She had been in Memphis as recently as January 8th, to help commemorate her late father’s 88th birthday at Graceland.
“Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie,” Elvis Presley’s Graceland posted on Facebook. “They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland issued the following email: “I am saddened to learn of the untimely death of Lisa Marie Presley. She will always be beloved in Memphis, and my thoughts and prayers are with Priscilla and the Presley family during this difficult time. I share my condolences with everyone who knew and loved Lisa Marie.”
The Flyer will update this story as more details emerge.
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) released the following statement:
“I am terribly saddened. She was much too young. She was just here in Memphis on Sunday for her father’s birthday and talked about how energizing it was to be among his fans.
“She looks so much like her father. I was pleased to see her Tuesday night on the Golden Globes where she saw her father’s bio-pic recognized.
“I remember 1977 when Elvis died and how I was affected. When he died, it was personal because we’d grown up with him. This is a sad day for Elvis fans, including myself. I extend my deepest condolences to Lisa Marie’s mother, Priscilla, and to her children.”
