Days after the shocking death of Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis movie star Austin Butler, who plays her father in the Baz Luhrmann biopic, has paid tribute. At the Golden Globes on Tuesday evening, Butler won the Best Actor award for his role in the film, with the Presley family there to support him. Two days later, Presley was rushed to the hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead at 54 years old shortly thereafter.
Butler had been one of the last people to spend time with Presley. In a statement released to the press (via E! News), the actor speaks on how the news has “shattered” his heart, especially knowing the effect it has on the family. He also touches on how grateful he is to have spent time with her while expressing how much she will be loved, missed, and remembered. The statement is as follows:
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“My heart is completely shattered for Riley, Finley, Harper and Priscilla at the tragic and unexpected loss of Lisa Marie. 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.”
Austin Butler Told Lisa Marie He’d Love Her Forever
Butler’s Golden Globe acceptance speech has also been getting some extra attention following Presley’s death. In his speech, Butler addressed the Presley family, informing Lisa in front of everyone that he’d love her and her mother, Priscilla, forever. As he said during his speech:
Others involved with Elvis have also paid tribute. Director Baz Luhrmann shared a post on Instagram featuring an image of Presley and Butler together. He included a statement that speaks about how gracious the Presleys had been with him while working on the movie and offered his condolences to the survivors.
“Thank you for opening your hearts, your memories, your home to me. Lisa Marie, Priscilla, I love you forever.”
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A post shared by Baz Luhrmann (@bazluhrmann)
Luhrmann’s statement reads:
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A post shared by Baz Luhrmann (@bazluhrmann)
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Rest in peace, Lisa Marie Presley.
“Over the last year, the entire Elvis movie family and I have felt the privilege of Lisa Marie’s kind embrace. 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.”
