"Our hearts are broken, and I am having to learn to live without my only daughter," the 77-year-old wrote.
Priscilla Presley paid tribute to her late daughter on Wednesday on what would have been Lisa Marie Presley’s 55th birthday. Priscilla said she’s trying to “keep our family together” despite a potential legal battle over Lisa Marie’s trust. "Today would have been Lisa's 55th birthday. My wish is to protect my three grandchildren and keep our family together," wrote the 77-year-old in a statement about her only daughter. "From the first moment I held Lisa in my arms, I've protected, loved and guided her, as I have my son," she continued in her statement. "Our hearts are broken, and I am having to learn to live without my only daughter." She concluded her note, "We truly love all of you, and we feel your prayers. Thank you so much for caring so deeply for our family."
It's been less than a month since her and ex-husband Elvis Presley's daughter died at 54 on January 12 after suffering a possible cardiac arrest. Lisa Marie’s official cause of death has been deferred by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. "Deferred means that after an autopsy, a cause of death has not been determined and the medical examiner is requesting more investigation into the death, including additional studies. Once the tests/studies come back, the doctor evaluates the case again and makes the cause of death determination," Sarah Ardalani, a spokesperson with the LA County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner told CNN.
Priscilla Presley is currently legally challenging an alleged amendment removing her as co-trustee of Lisa Marie's trust. The 77-year-old has gone to court to declare the allegedly fraudulent 2016 amendment invalid and listed several reasons why it could be a fraud. After her daughter's death on January 12, Priscilla “discovered” a disputed document seeking to remove her and former business manager Barry Siegel as co-trustees of her daughter’s Promenade Trust. Priscilla is asking the court to declare the 2016 amendment unlawful on the grounds that the 2010 amendment is still "the authoritative and controlling document."
Lisa Marie left her trust to her children Riley Keough, 33, and twins Harper and Finley Lockwood, 14, as she "did not have a relationship" with mom Priscilla, a friend close to the late singer told PEOPLE. "Lisa's intent was very clear," adding that the decision was made by Lisa Marie when "Lisa really didn't feel that Priscilla was doing anything in her best interest." The trust includes Elvis' Graceland property and 15 percent ownership of Elvis' estate.
References:
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/17/entertainment/lisa-marie-presley-memorial/index.html
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Jon Kopaloff
