Lisa Marie Presley has died at the age of 54, her mother Priscilla Presley has announced.
The singer, who was the daughter of rock legend Elvis, is reported to have suffered a cardiac arrest.
On Thursday 12 January, Priscilla had told fans that her daughter had been ‘rushed to the hospital’.
She was found unresponsive by her housekeeper at her home in California, according to TMZ.
Priscilla has now confirmed that Lisa Marie has passed away, describing her death as a ‘profound loss’.
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She said in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us.
“She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known.
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“We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time there will be no further comment.”
Lisa Marie Presley with her father, Elvis. Credit: Instagram, @lisampresley
Lisa Marie Presley was a respected musician in her own right, with three studio albums released over the course of her career.
She was also well-known for her high-profile marriages to both Michael Jackson and Nicholas Cage, and to musicians Danny Keough and Michael Lockwood.
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Lisa Marie had four children and leaves behind three daughters, including actress Riley Keough. Her only son, Benjamin Keogh, died in 2020 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
At the time, Lisa Marie wrote: “My beautiful beautiful angel, I worshipped the ground you walked on, on this earth and now in Heaven. My heart and soul went with you…
“Please wait for me my love, and hold my hand while I stay to continue to protect and raise your little sisters and to be here for Riley.”
Just two days before her death, she attended the Golden Globes with her mother and Austin Butler, who played Elvis in the recent biopic by Baz Luhrmann.
In a previous update, Priscilla wrote: “My beloved daughter Lisa Marie was rushed to the hospital. She is now receiving the best care. Please keep her and our family in your prayers. We feel the prayers from around the world, and ask for privacy during this time.”
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Tributes have already begun to pour in for Lisa Marie as rock royalty and Hollywood stars alike around the globe honour her talent.
Billy Idol wrote: “Sad news 2 hear of #LisaMariePresley passing .. she was very loving 2 me, in Memphis in the 90’s she gave me a viewing of the private sections of Graceland which was very special. She was very lovely & we performed together at NYFW early 2000’s. RIP.”
Rock band Garbage shared: “Utterly devastated to learn of the hideously premature death of a surprisingly sweet, fierce, generous, talented and painfully vulnerable Lisa Marie Presley. I will treasure you always in my heart girl. Thank you for your kindness. May you now be granted peace.”
Bette Midler said: “Dear God, #LisaMariePresley has died; I’m in shock. So beautiful and only 54 years old; I can’t actually comprehend it.”
Actress Leah Remini said: “I’m heartbroken over the passing of Lisa Marie Presley. Lisa did not have an easy life, as some might think. May she be at peace, resting with her son and father now. Her mom Priscilla and her three daughters, Riley, Finley, and Harper, are in my prayers.”
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And Octavia Spencer posted: “So sad that we’ve lost another bright star in Lisa Marie Presley. My condolences to her loved ones and multitude of fans.”
Featured image: Facebook
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Council announces return of FREE firework displays in Manchester parks
Emily Sergeant
The skies over Manchester will light up once again, as free firework displays are set to return to several of the city’s parks.
You may remember that major fireworks events throughout the city had been paused following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to funding challenges, with Manchester City Council choosing to invest in a range of other community-focused events across throughout the autumn season instead, rather than one-off firework celebrations.
But now, once this November rolls around, all of that is set to change.
That’s because, on Saturday 7 November, free fireworks events will return to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
The Council has announced the return of free firework displays in Manchester parks / Credit: Unsplash
Each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
The Council says that the return of the free fireworks events reflects residents’ recent feedback about what they want to see in their community and how they want funding to be distributed.
“It’s a chance, at the start of the shorter days and beginning of the dark winter months, to come together and resume a much-loved annual tradition as well as enjoying an evening of safe entertainment and spectacular fireworks displays,” Manchester City Council said in a statement.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, added: “We are delighted to announce and welcome the return of our much-loved fireworks celebrations.
It’s the first time they’ve returned since the COVID-19 pandemic / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
“Our parks should be shared spaces that create opportunities for Manchester people to gather, which is why bringing back the fireworks displays was top of our agenda. And we also recognise the importance of community which is why we will also continue to invest in a wide range of activities in our parks throughout the year.
“The return of these events is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to create lasting memories and enjoy the long-standing tradition of fireworks in our parks in a safe way.”
Additional entertainment will be announced for each park in the coming weeks too, so keep your eyes peeled for more.
Featured Image – Alex Jones (via Unsplash)
News
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]