The entertainment world, and indeed countless hearts around the globe, came to a standstill with the profoundly sad news of Lisa Marie Presley’s passing. At just 54 years old, the only child of rock and roll legend Elvis Presley and the remarkable Priscilla Presley, left us on Thursday, January 12. As tributes pour in, one voice resonates with particularly deep sorrow and reflection: that of her former husband, Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage.
“This is devastating news,” Cage, 59, shared with The Hollywood Reporter on Friday, January 13, in the immediate aftermath of the tragic announcement. His words painted a vivid, tender picture of the woman he once loved. “Lisa had the greatest laugh of anyone I ever met. She lit up every room, and I am heartbroken.” It was a sentiment that echoed the profound impact Lisa Marie had on those fortunate enough to be in her orbit, a radiant presence whose absence leaves an undeniable void.
In his poignant statement, Cage found a glimmer of comfort amidst the sorrow, articulating a hope that many who loved Lisa Marie would undoubtedly share. “I find some solace believing she is reunited with her son Benjamin,” he expressed. This tender thought underscores the immense grief Lisa Marie carried after the heartbreaking loss of her son, Benjamin Keough, who died by suicide in July 2020 at the age of 27. Their bond was deep, even symbolized by matching foot tattoos, a testament to an unbreakable connection.
Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley’s romance was, by all accounts, a whirlwind, a passionate and dynamic connection that captivated headlines. They first crossed paths in 2000, a time when both were involved with other people. But fate, or perhaps an undeniable spark, had other plans for them. Cage, speaking candidly about their initial encounter in a 2003 interview with Barbara Walters, painted a scene straight out of a movie.
He recalled walking into a party, utterly unaware of the life-altering meeting that awaited him. “There’s this beautiful girl standing in the middle of the living room wearing this short leather skirt and this fluffy jacket,” he described, his words still carrying the wonder of that moment. He saw something profound in her eyes, a certain depth. “She looks up at me with these big, beautiful, soulful eyes that look like they have a sad story to tell, and I just went ‘Oh.’ I was thunderstruck.”
Their connection deepened swiftly. “We got to talking, we got to know each other, and she’s hilarious and she’s a real firecracker and she tells it like it is,” Cage enthusiastically shared. It was a union that felt, in many ways, destined, a convergence of two extraordinary lives that understood the unique pressures of their respective inheritances. Cage, whose uncle is the acclaimed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, saw a parallel in their upbringings.
“She was born with the pressure of an extremely famous name from day one; I was a young actor in Hollywood with the name Coppola trying to make it with those pressures,” he thoughtfully explained to Walters. “There was a logic to it, there was a sense to it.” Their shared understanding of navigating life under the weight of iconic family names forged a powerful, albeit brief, bond.
They tied the knot in August 2002 in a private ceremony in Hawaii, a date that held profound significance: it was the 25th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Despite the undeniable intensity of their connection, their marriage was fleeting, lasting only four months before Cage filed for divorce in November 2002. Their divorce was officially finalized in 2004.
Speaking about the separation in 2003, Lisa Marie herself offered a glimpse into the intensity that characterized their time together. “We’re both so dramatic and dynamic that when it was good it was unbelievably good, and when it was bad it was just a bloody nightmare for everybody,” she candidly told Rolling Stone magazine. Even after their split, Cage’s affection for her remained evident, as he stated immediately after his divorce filing, “I did not talk about the marriage and I am not going to talk about the divorce. But I loved her.”
Lisa Marie Presley’s life began steeped in the extraordinary. Born in February 1968, she was immediately thrust into the global spotlight as the only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley. Even after her parents’ split in 1972, when she was just four years old, and her father’s untimely death in 1977 at 42, the world remained fascinated by her. She carried the torch of an unparalleled legacy, a legacy she honored by bravely carving out her own path in music.
Following in her iconic father’s footsteps, Lisa Marie pursued a career as a singer and songwriter, sharing her soulful voice with the world. She released three albums, each a testament to her unique artistic journey: 2003’s ‘To Whom It May Concern’, 2005’s ‘Now What’, and 2012’s ‘Storm & Grace. Her music resonated with audiences, with both her debut and sophomore studio sets landing impressively in the top 10 of the Billboard 200. Her 2003 single, “Lights Out,” even peaked at No. 34 on the Pop Airplay chart, showcasing her distinct voice and artistry.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Lisa Marie’s personal life frequently captured public attention, marked by a series of high-profile relationships. Her first marriage was to musician Danny Keough, from 1988 to 1994, with whom she shared two children: daughter Riley Keough, now 33, and her beloved son, Benjamin Keough. Just 20 days after her divorce from Danny, she famously married pop icon Michael Jackson in 1994, a union that lasted until 1996.
After her marriage to Nicolas Cage, Lisa Marie found love again with guitarist Michael Lockwood. They married in 2006 and welcomed twin daughters, Harper and Finley, who are both now 11 or 14, depending on the sources reporting their ages. Their marriage, however, concluded in 2016 after a decade together, with their divorce being finalized in 2021. Throughout her life, Lisa Marie navigated the complexities of love, loss, and family, always with a raw honesty that captivated those around her.
The circumstances surrounding Lisa Marie’s sudden passing were nothing short of heartbreaking. Just two days prior to her death, she had graced the Golden Globe Awards, radiating pride as Austin Butler won a Best Actor award for his compelling portrayal of her father in Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis. However, in a clip from the red carpet, she appeared unsteady, turning to her friend Jerry Schilling and saying, “I’m gonna grab your arm.” She also seemed to talk slowly and slurred her words while responding to questions, in what would tragically be her final public appearance.
On that devastating Thursday, January 12, Lisa Marie suffered a full cardiac arrest at her Calabasas, California, home. TMZ, who was first to report the news, detailed the frantic efforts to save her. She was found unresponsive in her bedroom by her housekeeper. Her ex-husband, Danny Keough, who had been living with her, heroically performed CPR until paramedics arrived. It was also reported that someone administered epinephrine, more commonly known as adrenaline, at the scene in an attempt to help her regain a pulse. She was rushed to a local medical facility in critical condition.
Despite the immediate and valiant efforts, the devastating news was confirmed by her mother, Priscilla Presley, later that day. “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us,” Priscilla stated. Her words, filled with profound grief, painted a picture of a fiercely loving soul. “She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time there will be no further comment.”
The outpouring of grief and remembrance from across the industry has been immense, a testament to Lisa Marie’s indelible impact. Michael Lockwood’s attorney, Joe Yanny, conveyed his client’s profound shock and sorrow. “Michael had been hoping for a speedy and complete recovery because her children needed her,” Yanny shared. “It is very sad it didn’t turn out that way. Michael’s world has been turned on its ear. He is with both of his daughters now,” emphasizing his focus on their twin girls during this unimaginably difficult time.
Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, director of ‘Elvis,’ expressed his deep sadness, stating, “Lisa Marie, we will miss your warmth, your smile, your love.” Austin Butler, whose portrayal of her father brought Lisa Marie so much joy, was equally heartbroken. “My heart is completely shattered for Riley, Finley, Harper and Priscilla at the tragic and unexpected loss of Lisa Marie,” Butler said. “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.”
Hollywood veterans Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, who spent time with the Presley family during the ‘Elvis’ promotional tour, also shared their heartfelt condolences. “Our hearts are broken with the sudden and shocking passing of Lisa Marie Presley tonight,” they wrote in a joint statement. They praised her genuine spirit, recalling how “Lisa Marie was so honest and direct, vulnerable, in a state of anticipation about the movie. She spoke so eloquently about her father, what the movie meant to her, that it was a celebration of her dad.”
The estate of Michael Jackson, Lisa Marie’s second husband, also shared a touching tribute, underscoring the deep affection that lingered. “We are saddened by the sudden tragic loss of Michael’s former wife, Lisa Marie Presley,” their statement read. “Michael cherished the special bond they enjoyed and was comforted by Lisa Marie’s generous love, concern and care during their times together.” These words, spoken years after their divorce, highlighted the enduring respect and affection.
Other luminaries joined the chorus of remembrance. John Travolta expressed his raw grief: “Lisa baby girl, I’m so sorry. I’ll miss you but I know I’ll see you again. My love and heart goes out to Riley, Priscilla, Harper and Finley.” Leah Remini poignantly acknowledged the challenges Lisa Marie faced throughout her life. “I’m heartbroken over the passing of Lisa Marie Presley. Lisa did not have an easy life, as some might think. May she be at peace, resting with her son and father now. Her mom Priscilla and her three daughters, Riley, Finley, and Harper, are in my prayers.” Actress Octavia Spencer added her voice to the sorrowful tributes, saying, “So sad that we’ve lost another bright star in Lisa Marie Presley. My condolences to her loved ones and multitude of fans.”
Lisa Marie is survived by her mother, Priscilla, and her cherished daughters, Riley Keough, Harper Lockwood, and Finley Lockwood. The news that she will be laid to rest at Graceland, next to her beloved son Benjamin, and her father, brings a profound sense of closure and peace to those mourning her. It is a comforting thought, a full-circle moment for a life lived intensely in the public eye, yet deeply rooted in private love and profound losses.
Her story, marked by immense fame from birth, profound personal joy, and unimaginable heartache, resonates deeply with all who observed her journey. Lisa Marie Presley, a woman who truly “lit up every room” with her presence and her unique spirit, will forever be remembered not just as Elvis’s daughter, but as a passionate artist, a devoted mother, and a vibrant soul who navigated the complexities of life with remarkable strength and authenticity. Her laughter, her love, and her enduring legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she touched, a radiant star that, though now absent, leaves behind an unforgettable glow.
