Hundreds of people gathered on the front lawn of Graceland on a cold gray Sunday morning in Memphis to mourn a death and remember a life. Lisa Marie Presleywho passed away earlier this month.
Some mourners carried flowers as they waited for mass to begin under the tall trees in Graceland Park, the home where Lisa Marie lived as a child with her father, Elvis Presley. The mansion, owned by Lisa Marie Presley, has been converted into a museum and tourist attraction that hundreds of thousands of fans visit each year to celebrate the life and music of Elvis, who died in 1977.
The estate in South Memphis was a place of sadness and somber memories on Sunday. Presley, a 54-year-old singer-songwriter who is dedicated to her father’s legacy, He died on January 12thhours after being admitted to the hospital for a medical emergency.
The service began with the singing of “Amazing Grace” by Jason Clarke and the Tennessee Collegiate Choir.
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the love, sympathy, and support you have shown our family during this difficult time,” said a message from Presley’s family written in the service program. “We will always be grateful.”
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Lisa Marie Presley’s mother, Priscilla Presley, read a poem written by her granddaughter called “Old Soul,” according to CBS affiliate WREG Memphis.
The poem reads: “In 1968, an old soul entered our world – born strong yet delicate and full of life.” “She always knew she wouldn’t be here for long. Childhood passes in the blink of a green eye. Then she raised a family of her own. Then she lost her second child, Doubtful Angel, and knew he was near to the end.”
“Now she is at home where she always belonged, but my heart misses her love,” the poem continued. “She knew I loved her. I’m afraid I’ll never touch her, but an old soul is always with me. She never drifts up.”
Lisa Marie Presley’s eldest daughter, actress Riley Keough, did not speak, but her husband, Ben Smith Peterson, read a statement on her behalf.
“Thank you for being my mom in this life,” Keough’s message began. “I am forever grateful.”
“I remember what it felt like to be loved by the most loving mother I have ever known,” the eulogy continued. “How safe I felt in your arms. I remember that feeling as a child and I remember it from two weeks ago on your couch.”
Keogh added, “I hope to love my daughter the way she loved me, the way she loved my brother and sisters.”
Former Mayor of Memphis AC Wharton and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York were among the speakers paying tribute to Presley, while singers Alanis Morissette and Axl Rose honored the late musician with performances of “Rest” and “November Rain”.
After the service, mourners march through the Meditation Garden at Graceland, where Presley is buried.
Lisa Marie Presley’s son, Benjamin Keough, who died by suicide in 2020, As buried in Graceland.
