Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson lead tributes to ‘gracious’ Lisa Marie Presley

2023-01-13

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were among the famous faces sending their condolences to the family of “gracious” Lisa Marie Presleyfollowing her tragic death, age 54.

Celebrities including Pink, John Travolta, and Diane Warren, all paid tribute to the US singer-songwriter, describing her as “one of a kind” and “smart as a whip, sensitive, (and) talented”.

Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of rock legend Elvis Presley, died on Thursday at the age of 54, shortly after being “rushed” to hospital.

On Tuesday, she attended the Golden Globe awards, where Austin Butler won best actor for his portrayal of her father in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic – also starring Tom Hanks.

In an Instagram post on behalf of the couple, Rita Wilson recalled spending time with Lisa Marie and her family during the film’s promotional tour last year.

“Our hearts are broken with the sudden and shocking passing of Lisa Marie Presley tonight,” she wrote in the lengthy post.

“Tom and I had spent some time with the family during the Elvis movie promotional tour. 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. She had her gorgeous daughters Finley and Harper with her who made us all laugh.”

Rita Wilson said Lisa Marie had been “gracious” enough to show her round Graceland – the mansion where her father lived in Memphis, Tennessee.

“Our hearts and our prayers go out to Riley, Harper, Finley , Danny and Priscilla,” she said.

“A mother should never have to lose a child. Lisa Marie lost her precious son Benjamin, Priscilla loses her only daughter. It’s too much. Sending love to the family, prayers for peace and strength. Love, Rita and Tom.”

Actor John Travolta also said his “heart goes out” to Presley’s family following the news, writing: “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.”

Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin also expressed her sympathy “as a mother” for Priscilla Presley.

“I had the chance to know @cilla_presley when I was on Dancing With the Stars and as a mother, I can’t imagine the pain she must be going through with the untimely passing of Lisa Marie,” she wrote on Twitter.

“I have the image of little Lisa Marie growing up. RIP Lisa Marie Presley.”

US rock star Pink said the world had “lost a gem” and praised Presley’s love of her children.

“Oh, this one hurts my heart. Lisa Marie, you were one of a kind,” she said in a post on Instagram.

“Funny as s**t, smart as a whip, sensitive, talented, witty, mean, loving, generous, judgmental but always right, loyal, and you adored your children.

“My heart breaks for you and your beautiful family and your children. The world lost a rare gem today. May your soul rest in peace, friend.”

Songwriter Diane Warren expressed her sorrow at the “horrible news”.

“Oh no. This is such horrible news,” she wrote.

“The entire world is sending love and prayers to Priscilla and Lisa Marie’s children right now. May it give you (strength).”

Shortly following the announcement, Nancy Sinatra wrote: “Every now and then I find myself wishing very hard that there is a hereafter and tonight is one of those times.

“Otherwise the nothingness, the emptiness are too hard to bear.”

Their fathers, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, sang together multiple times and also featured in a 1960 television special, titled Welcome Home Elvis.

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