Lisa Marie Presley, Daughter Of Elvis, Dies Aged 54
Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis, has died aged 54. She was rushed to a nearby hospital from her home in Calabasas, California, after collapsing to the floor from cardiac arrest yesterday (12 January). The singer was 54 years old.
Presley’s mother Priscilla confirmed the news to the Associated Press, writing in a 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.”
Lisa Marie Presley was born on 1 February 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Her father, Elvis Presley, married her mother, Priscilla Presley (née Wagner), on 1 May 1967 — exactly nine months before Lisa Marie was born. The couple divorced in 1973, and their daughter lived in Los Angeles with Priscilla after Elvis’ death in 1977.
Presley was a philanthropist for much of her life. In 1984, she helped found the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, which she oversaw alongside Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Together, they started Presley Place, a charity dedicated to supporting unhoused people, in 2001. Presley has also partnered with organizations including the Dream Factory and the Grammy Foundation to help support their philanthropic efforts.
She released her debut single, Lights Out, in February 2003. The song appeared on her first album, To Whom It May Concern, that April. The album peaked at No 5 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and featured Billy Corgan of The Smaashing Pumpkins as a co-writer.
To Whom It May Concern was followed by Presley’s second album, Now What, in April 2005. In addition to Presley’s original songwriting, the album included a cover of the Don Henley song Dirty Laundry, as well as Shine, a collaboration with Pink!. The album peaked at No 9 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
On 8 January this year, she honoured her late father at Graceland — Elvis’ famous Memphis, Tennessee mansion — at a celebration of his birthday.