Priscilla Presley Struggles To Hold Back Tears During Eulogy For ‘Superhero’ Daughter Lisa Marie Presley

Jan 23, 2023 by apost team

Trigger Warning: This article contains mentions of suicide that may be troubling for some readers.

It was a sad day for the Presley family and fans of the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley, when his only daughter, whom he had with his wife Priscilla Presley, was laid to rest on Jan. 22, 2023, in Graceland. Lisa Marie Presley’s nearest and dearest were present to bid their final farewell, recalling memories and paying tribute to her life. However, no speech stirred more hearts than her mother’s. Priscilla read out a poem that she explained “said it all.”

Born on Feb. 1, 1968, in Memphis, Tenessee, Lisa Marie was one of the biggest celebrity children upon her birth. However, she passed at the age of 54 on Jan. 12, 2023, after being rushed to the emergency room when she was found unresponsive in her California home. 

Lisa Marie was born exactly nine months after her parents famously tied the knot in a brief ceremony in their suite at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, and lived at his residence, Graceland, until his death in 1977. 

She was the only daughter of Elvis, which means that her four children were his only grandchildren. Lisa Marie had actress Riley Keough and her late son Benjamin Keough with her ex-husband Danny Keough while she shared her twins, Harper and Finley, with her ex-husband, Michael Lockwood. She was also famously married to popstar Michael Jackson and actor Nicolas Cage.

Following in the footsteps of her father, Lisa Marie ventured into the music business, releasing a few albums. Much like her father, her life, too, was filled with many tragedies. Among the most heartbreaking was the passing of her son, Benjamin, in 2020.

On July 14, 2020, it was reported Benjamin had passed at the age of 27. He had been found dead with a gunshot wound in his upper torso, believed to be self-inflicted. Benjamin’s death left Lisa Marie “beyond devastated” and “completely heartbroken,” according to a statement.

Years later, his passing continued to haunt the doting mother, who wrote a heartfelt essay in honor of National Grief Awareness Day published by People on Aug. 30, 2022.

“Death is part of life whether we like it or not — and so is grieving. There is so much to learn and understand on the subject, but here's what I know so far: One is that grief does not stop or go away in any sense, a year, or years after the loss. Grief is something you will have to carry with you for the rest of your life, in spite of what certain people or our culture wants us to believe. You do not ‘get over it,’ you do not ‘move on,’ period,” she wrote.

That grief was embodied by Priscilla when she gave her eulogy at her daughter’s funeral in Graceland on Jan. 22, 2023. She began by saying she was “blown away by how many people” were present before explaining she would read out words her granddaughter and Lisa Marie’s daughter, Riley, had written.

“‘I have no idea how to put my mother into words. Truth is, there are too many. Lisa Marie Presley was an icon, a role model, a superhero to many people all over the world, but Mama was my icon, my role model, my superhero — in much more ways than one,’” Priscilla read. “‘Even now, I can’t get across everything there is to be understood or known about her, but as she always said, I'll do my best.’”

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Priscilla then began to read a poem written by Riley about her mother called “Old Soul.”

“‘In 1968, she entered our world, born tired, fragile, yet strong. She was delicate, but was filled with life. She always knew she wouldn't be here too long,'" said Priscilla. "'Childhood passes by, with a glimpse of her green eye, she then grew a family of her own. Then came her second child, leaving her with suspicion — could this be the angel that takes me home?

“‘Time, of course, flew by. It was time for a tragedy. She knew it was close to the end. Survivor's guilt, some would say, but a broken heart was the doing of her death. Now, she is home where she always belonged, but my heart is missing her love,’” she continued.

“‘She knew that I loved her. I fear I would never touch her,’” Priscilla read as she was seen trying hard to hold back her tears. “‘But the old soul is always with me. She doesn’t drift above.’”

Before leaving, Priscilla ended her eulogy with: “That says it all, and thank you all for being here… Our heart is broken. Lisa, we all love you.”

Lisa Marie was laid to rest at Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee, next to her son Benjamin. Graceland’s Meditation Garden is also the final resting place of Elvis, his parents Vernon and Gladys, and his grandmother Minnie Mae, who was interred there after her passing in 1980.

Elvis’s close friend Jerry Schilling and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, were among those who also spoke at the service. Canadian singer Alanis Morissette gave a stirring performance of her song “Rest,” which she had written in support of mental health awareness. Axl Rose of Guns n’ Roses fame also performed “November Rain.”

What are your thoughts on Priscilla’s eulogy at her daughter’s funeral service? Were you moved by Riley’s poem dedicated to her mother? Let us know and pass this along to friends and family, too.

If you or anybody you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please visit Find A Helpline | Free emotional support in 130+ countries to find your local suicide prevention hotline. The hotlines provide 24/7, free and confidential support for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.