Lisa Marie Presley: Tributes flow for Elvis’ daughter at Graceland memorial service

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Thousands of mourners are expected to attend a memorial service on Sunday for Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of music legend Elvis Presley.

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Lisa Marie Presley, 54, a singer-songwriter, died on Jan. 12 in Los Angeles.

Update 11:32 a.m. EST Jan. 22: A.C. Wharton, the former mayor of Memphis, called Lisa Marie Presley “all Memphis” during Sunday’s public memorial service at Graceland.

Wharton called Presley the first of his famous celebrity children, Entertainment Tonight reported. The others were Blue Ivy Carter, the daughter of Beyoncé and Jay Z; Archie Harrison, the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle; and Willow Hart, the daughter of Pink and Carey Hart.

Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins performed the band’s 1998 single, “To Sheila,” while Alanis Morissette performed her 2021 song, “Rest.”

Sarah Ferguson reflected on her relationship with her friend, calling her “sissy,” and quoting her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, saying “grief is the price we pay for love.”

Priscilla Presley read a poem and remarks from her granddaughter, Riley Keough.

“She knew it was close to the end. Survivor’s guilt, some would say, but a broken heart, is the doing of her death,” Priscilla Presley said as she read Keough’s statement. “Now she is home where she always belonged, but my heart is missing her love.”

“Our heart is broken,” Priscilla Presley said. “Lisa, we all love you.”

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Lisa Marie Presley memorial service: A view of the program at the public memorial for Lisa Marie Presley on January 22, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Update 10:59 a.m. EST Jan. 22: Speakers at the service included Lisa Marie Presley’s mother, Priscilla Presley; Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York; and singers Alanis Morissette, Billy Corgan and Axl Rose. A statement was read on behalf of Lisa Marie Presley’s daughter, actress Riley Keough.

Rose played Guns N’ Roses’ hit “November Rain” on the piano.

Update 10:48 a.m. EST Jan. 22: Sunday’s service began at Graceland with the singing of “Amazing Grace” by Jason Clark & The Tennessee Mass Choir.

Original report: Sunday’s public memorial service on the front lawn at Graceland, Elvis Presley’s mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, will begin at 10 a.m. EST and will be livestreamed, according to Graceland’s website.

“She always called Memphis home,” David Beckwith, a spokesperson for Elvis Presley Enterprises, told The New York Times.

After the service, there will be a procession to view Lisa Marie Presley’s final resting place in Graceland’s Meditation Garden, Entertainment Tonight reported. All guests on the north lawn will be able to join the procession, according to the entertainment news website.

Elvis is buried at Graceland, along with his parents, Vernon and Gladys, and his grandmother, Minnie Mae, Entertainment Tonight reported. Lisa Marie Presley’s son, Benjamin Keough, who died in July 2020, is also buried at the mansion, and there is also a smaller memorial stone for Elvis’ twin brother, Jessie, who died at birth.

Lisa Marie Presley helped oversee her famous father’s estate and also pursued a music career in the early 2000s, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Lisa Marie Presley was born in Memphis on Feb. 1, 1968. She lived most of her life in the limelight, as her father’s fans followed the details of her birth, the Times reported. Tabloids wrote about her romances and marriages to singer Michael Jackson and actor Nicolas Cage.

Elvis and Priscilla Presley divorced in October 1973.

When Elvis Presley died on Aug. 16, 1977, his daughter was the lone heir to “the King’s” estate. Priscilla Presley became the executor of his estate and co-founded Elvis Presley Enterprises, according to the Times.

Like her father, Lisa Marie Presley recorded music, KTLA-TV reported. Her album, “To Whom It May Concern,” rose to No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 singles charts and earned a gold certification. A 2005 album, “Now What,” peaked at No. 9, according to Billboard.

In lieu of flowers, the Presley family is asking people who wish to donate to contribute to The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, Entertainment Tonight reported. The charity offers support to various charitable organizations, especially focusing on arts, education, and children’s programs in the Memphis and Whitehaven area.

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Lisa Marie Presley: Lisa Marie Presley and her parents, Elvis and Priscilla Presley, on Feb. 13, 1968. (Keystone/Getty Images)

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