Lisa Marie Presley was honored during a memorial service at her father Elvis‘ Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee on Sunday (January 22). Her family, friends, and the general public gathered to mourn together following the 54-year-old singer’s unexpected death on January 12.
The service included tribute performances from musicians such as Axl Rose and Alanis Morissette. The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, shared some short remarks about her friendship with Lisa Marie. Jerry Schilling, a longtime friend of the Presleys, also spoke during the ceremony.
Lisa Marie’s son-in-law, Ben Smith-Petersen, read a message written by Lisa Marie’s daughter (and his wife) Riley Keough. In the message, Riley revealed she and Ben have a baby girl.
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Lisa Marie’s mother, Priscilla, also spoke during the ceremony. She came onstage to read a poem written by one of Lisa Marie’s daughters.
A tearful Priscilla recited the emotional poem, which opened:
“In 1968, she entered our world / Born tired, fragile, yet strong / She was delicate but was filled with life.”
As the poem continued, it touched on the death of Lisa Marie’s son, Benjamin. He passed away in 2020:
“Then came her second child leaving her with suspicion / Could this be the angel that takes me home?”
The poem went on to say that “a broken heart” led to Lisa Marie’s death. The last lines of the poem were:
“Now, she is home where she always belonged, but my heart is missing her love / She knew that I loved her / I fear I’ll never touch her / But the old soul is always with me / She doesn’t drift above.”
Priscilla spoke briefly after she finished the poem. She thanked everyone for attending the ceremony and said, “Lisa, we all love you.”
Watch the video below to hear Priscilla read the poem during Lisa Marie’s memorial service. Our hearts break for her and for all of Lisa Marie’s loved ones.