Austin Butler Recalls Lisa Marie Presley’s ‘Warmth’, ‘Love’ and ‘Authenticity’

“Elvis” star Austin Butler paid tribute to the late Lisa Marie Presley with an emotional statement on her death on Friday.

“I’m eternally grateful for the times I was lucky enough to be near her bright light and will forever cherish the quiet moments we shared,” the actor told People. “Her warmth, her love and her authenticity will always be remembered.”

Lisa Marie Presley had repeatedly praised Butler’s performance in the Baz Luhrmann-directed biopic. In May, she said on Instagram that Butler “channeled and embodied my father’s heart and soul beautifully.” She added, “If he doesn’t get an Oscar for this, I’m going to eat my own foot haha.”

Butler told People that his “heart was broken completely” for Presley’s family after their “tragic and unexpected loss.” She is survived by her mother, Priscilla Presley, and three of her children, including actor Riley Keough. Benjamin Keough, their son, died in 2020.

At the Golden Globe Awards, Butler thanked the family for “opening your hearts, your memories, your home to me.” He added, “Lisa Marie, Priscilla, I love you forever.”