Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley.Photo: Bryan Steffy/WireImage
Priscilla Presleyis paying tribute to her daughter,Lisa Marie Presley, on what would’ve been the late singer-songwriter’s 55th birthday.
“Today would have been Lisa’s 55th birthday. My wish is to protect my three grandchildren and keep our family together,” wrote Priscilla, 77, in a statement shared with PEOPLE less than a month after her and ex-husbandElvis Presley’s daughter died at 54 on Jan. 12after suffering a possible cardiac arrest.
“From the first moment I held Lisa in my arms, I’ve protected, loved and guided her, as I have my son,” she continued. “Our hearts are broken, and I am having to learn to live without my only daughter.”
“We truly love all of you, and we feel your prayers. Thank you so much for caring so deeply for our family,” concluded Priscilla’s note, which she laterposted to Instagram.
Last week, attorneys for Priscilla filed a petition in Los Angeles questioning the “authenticity and validity” of Lisa Marie’s will, which states that her trust — which includesElvis' Graceland propertyand 15 percent ownership of Elvis' estate — would be left to her three daughters.
The petition claimed that a 2016 amendment that put the trust in the hands of actressRiley Keough, 33, and twins Harper and Finley Lockwood, 14, is invalid.
Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley.Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ABA
At Lisa Marie’s memorial on Jan. 22, Priscilla delivered an emotional eulogy, starting with something she said her granddaughter wrote for the fans who traveled from far and wide to line up outside of Graceland.
“‘I have no idea how to put my mother into words. Truth is, there are too many. Lisa Marie Presley was an icon, a role model, a superhero to many people all over the world, but Mama was my icon, my role model, my superhero — in much more ways than one,'” said Priscilla. “‘Even now, I can’t get across everything there is to be understood or known about her, but as she always said, I’ll do my best.'”
Lisa Marie Presley.Christopher Polk/Getty
“‘She knew that I loved her. I fear I would never touch her,'” said Priscilla, visibly tearing up while delivering the speech. “‘But the old soul is always with me. She doesn’t drift above.’ That says it all, and thank you all for being here… Our heart is broken. Lisa, we all love you.”
Priscillaconfirmed the news of Lisa Marie’s death in a statementon Jan. 12, hours after news that she had been rushed to the hospital broke: “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us,” she said.
“She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss,” Priscilla continued. “Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time there will be no further comment.”
The family is still waiting for toxicology reports to be returned before the official cause of death can be declared.
source: people.com
