Austin Butler may not have spent the longest period with the late Lisa Marie Presley, but they had a profound connection — unlike any other.
The duo met while filming “Elvis,” years before LMP shockingly passed at 54 on Thursday, January 12, after suffering a cardiac arrest at her California residence.
Butler’s relationship with the deceased evidently meant so much to him as he recently honored her memory by remembering her for trusting him and being open-hearted.
Austin Butler Reveals Lisa Marie Presley Opened Her Heart To Him ‘Very Quickly’
Playing LMP’s father, Elvis Presley, in the highly successful biopic “Elvis,” seemed to have influenced the twosome’s relationship as they bonded pretty quickly despite their age differences.
The 31-year-old spoke to PEOPLE at the 95th annual Oscar nominees luncheon, where he recalled the cherished moments they spent together and how they “bonded very, very fast.”
He promised to forever treasure those special times he got to share with her, saying, “all those special moments of just getting to share life with her, I’ll treasure that forever,” while remembering her as “such an honest person.” Honoring the late musician, Butler divulged, “There was no filter of how she felt. And she really opened her heart to me very quickly.”
During a January 30 episode of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Butler admitted that before getting to know Lisa Marie, he had never met someone with whom he felt an “immediate depth of relationship.” He elaborated, “She’s a person who didn’t have anything to prove and wouldn’t open up to anybody, and she opened up to me. We got so close so fast, and it’s just devastating.”
The “Life Unexpected” actor who was promoting “Elvis” at the time saw the moment as “bittersweet” given his Oscar nomination for Best Actor and having to mourn LMP at the same time.
“So much stuff is happening,” he expressed. “But I’m just devastated for her family. And for her to not be here celebrating with us, you know.” Butler was glad, however, he got to be with her at the Golden Globes, where he won best actor in a drama for his “Elvis” performance. He vowed never to forget the moment with her for the rest of his life.
Shortly before chatting with Fallon and after the Oscar nominations, he spoke candidly about the unfortunate passing of Lisa Marie while touching on his Oscar nomination.
As reported, getting an Academy Award nomination for the first time was undoubtedly a dream come true for Butler, but he did not hesitate to dedicate the feat to the late celeb. “It’s sort of a bittersweet moment right now,” he said of how he felt getting nominated without LMP being around. “Because I think of how much I wish she was here right now to get to celebrate with me.”
The Golden Globe Award winner then confessed that he had the same feeling for Elvis, wishing both the legend and his daughter could witness the celebratory moments. His voice sounded pretty emotional as he devoted his nom to LMP, saying,
“It’s just sort of strange to celebrate at a time of such deep grief. But I sort of think of it as a way to honor her. This is for her.”
The ‘Switched at Birth’ Actor Swears To Always Remember LMP Following Her Demise
Lisa Marie’s death caused so much heartache to many worldwide, including celebrities and fans who memorialized her with heartwarming tributes. Her mother, Priscilla Presley, confirmed her demise with a statement that partly read:
“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.”
Not long after, the “Elvis” cast, who bonded well with the “Lights Out” singer during the shooting and promotion of the film, paid their respects with touching words. Butler released a statement, openly mourning Lisa Marie and sending prayers to her mother and daughters, Riley Keough, Finley Lockwood, and Harper Lockwood. He said:
“My heart is completely shattered for Riley, Finley, Harper, and Priscilla at the tragic and unexpected loss of Lisa Marie. I am eternally grateful for the time I was lucky enough to be near her bright light.”
“The Carrie Diaries” star then swore to “forever cherish the quiet moments” they shared while declaring that “her warmth, her love, and her authenticity will always be remembered.”
