Eric Charbonneau/Shutterstock Austin Butler and Lisa Marie Presley on January 8, 2023
Austin Butler honored Lisa Marie Presley after her died at 54just days after attending the Golden Globe alongside her.
One of the last people to spend time with the star, Butler, 31, said Friday that his “heart is completely broken” for his children and his mother after the “tragic and unexpected loss of Lisa Marie”.
“I am forever grateful for the time I had the chance to be near her bright light and will forever cherish the quiet moments we shared,” the actor said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.
“His warmth, love and authenticity will be forever remembered.”
Shutterstock for HFPA Priscilla Presley, Austin Butler and Lisa Marie Presley at the Golden Globes on January 10, 2023
The actor embodies Elvis Presley in the Baz Luhrmann film Elvis, who was nominated at the awards ceremony on Tuesday. Butler won Best Actor in a Drama that night, and Lisa Marie was in the audience cheering him on. In his acceptance speech, Butler thanked the Presley family “for opening your hearts, your memories, your home to me.”
“Lisa Marie, Priscilla,” he continued in his speech, “I love you forever.”
On Thursday, Lisa Marie, the only child of rock legend Elvis, was rushed to hospital, and died later that night. His mother Priscilla Presley said in a statement to PEOPLE, “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us.”
Priscilla continued, “She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for confidentiality as we try to come to terms with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time, there will be no further comment.”
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Lisa Marie was mother to daughter Riley Keough, 33, 14-year-old twins Harper and Finley, and son Benjamin Keough, who died by suicide in July 2020.
At a party celebrating the Elvis film the weekend before the Golden Globes (Sunday, Jan. 8, Elvis’ birthday), Lisa Marie addressed the attendees and said her father would be proud of the film.
“I’m so overwhelmed by this movie and the effect it had and what Baz did, Austin did. I’m so proud, and I know my dad would be so proud as well. … I’m overwhelmed with gratitude , so thank you,” she said. said at the rally.
RELATED VIDEO: Austin Butler Had ‘No Idea How ‘Elvis Presley’s Family’ Would Respond’ To His Portrayal
In June, Butler tell PEOPLE the responsibility how he felt for the Presley family capturing Elvis’ story for the big screen: “I can’t even put into words what this means to me because I felt so responsible to them the whole time This is the thing that would pull me over my bed in the morning everyday [during production]. I had no idea how they would react. I was totally prepared that maybe they didn’t want to watch it or like it or whatever.”
He added, “I feel like I’m in a dream right now because they’ve been so warm and welcoming.”
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Warner Bros. Pictures, the studio behind Elvissaid in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lisa Marie Presley and extend our condolences and sympathy to her children, family and those around the world who loved her. She was an invaluable partner and a truly lovely person whom we will remember as a devoted mother, beloved daughter and loving friend.”
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