LONDON – Singer-songwriter Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of rock and roll legend Elvis Presley, died Thursday hours after being hospitalized, her family said. She was 54.
Presley, who led a tumultuous life in the sprawling shadow of her world-famous father, and who attended a high-profile awards ceremony just this week, had been rushed to a California hospital’s intensive care unit for cardiac arrest.
“Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie,” the family said in a statement according to AFP.
“They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”
Priscilla Presley — Lisa Marie’s mother and the iconic crooner’s wife for six years until their divorce in 1973 — said in a statement to People magazine: “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us.”
News of the death triggered an immediate outpouring of grief from fans and famous friends.
“Our hearts are broken with the sudden and shocking passing of Lisa Marie Presley tonight… It’s too much,” said Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, who starred in the recent biopic movie “Elvis.”
“Lisa baby girl, I’m so sorry. I’ll miss you but I know I’ll see you again,” wrote actor John Travolta on Instagram.
“It’s hard to take when someone so young and full of life passes on,” wrote Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson on Twitter. “I feel so bad about Lisa Marie and I wish the best for her children and her family.”
Billy Corgan, frontman of the rock band Smashing Pumpkins, wrote on Instagram: “There is heartbreak and then there is sorrow. This would be sorrow and on more levels than I can count. Please send your prayers out for her family and children at this difficult time.”
“I truly cannot find the words to express how sad this truly is,” he added.
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