Emotions run high at the “Priscilla” press conference
Priscilla Presley surprised journalists by speaking at the press conference for Sofia Coppola’s new biopic “Priscilla” at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on Monday. (September 4th)
AP
Priscilla Presley opened up about the loss of her daughter Lisa Marie Presley in a rare in-depth interview with Piers Morgan.
In a nearly hour-long interview for “Piers Morgan Uncensored” that aired Thursday – a day before the release of Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla” film – Priscilla Presley recalled some of her memories with Lisa Marie, including announcing the news of the Death of father Elvis at the age of almost 50 years ago and the last moments together of mother and daughter earlier this year. Lisa Marie, the rock’n’roll icon’s only child, died at the age of 54 as a result of a small intestinal obstruction.
“It was unbearable. I lost my mother, I lost my grandson and I lost my daughter,” Priscilla said. “It’s like a big part of your life has been taken away from you.”
Priscilla Presley on “the last hug” she gave Lisa Marie
Lisa Marie Presley had a celebratory week before her death, celebrating her father’s 88th birthday with fans at Elvis’ Memphis home, Graceland.
She then attended the Golden Globe Awards and tearfully applauded with her mother as Austin Butler received a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis.
“She didn’t look well that evening and I was worried. … She looked very frail,” Priscilla said of her trip to the Golden Globes.
Lisa Marie suggested celebrating at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood after the awards show, but had to leave. Priscilla remembers saying, “Mom, I have to go. My stomach really hurts.”
“Then I hugged her, and she went her way, and I went my way, and that hug was the last hug I gave her,” Priscilla said.
By the time she got to the hospital, it was “too late.”
“It’s still shocking that I don’t have it. “I got the call from her ex-husband Danny that I needed to go to the hospital,” she added. “This isn’t the first time, but I never thought it would be the last.”
Review of “Priscilla”: Elvis Presley’s ex-wife gets a stylish but superficial movie treatment
Priscilla Presley protected daughter Lisa Marie from the news of Elvis’ death
Morgan also asked Priscilla about Elvis’ death in 1977 – a topic that still affects her almost 50 years later.
“I’m a little surprised that I still get emotional,” she said. “The love is still there. … He’s still so present.”
“It was devastating to get a call. “Absolutely devastating,” she admitted, adding that she spoke to her ex-husband two nights before his death. “I can still hear Joe Esposito’s words: ‘Priscilla, Elvis is dead.’ “
“My big fear was Lisa: How am I going to tell her? She was only 9 years old at the time,” Priscilla told Morgan. “I just told her we were going to Graceland; we are going to visit dad. But dad will rest. … I said, ‘Well, he’s going to go to sleep for a while.’ And she asks, “Will I be able to visit him?” And I said, “Yes, you will be able to see him.” “
Priscilla took her sister and Lisa Marie to Europe for two weeks to avoid the paparazzi who were stationed at their home. On the way, she prevented her daughter from seeing headlines about Elvis; She later also asked Lisa Marie’s teachers not to mention anything.
Priscilla suspects that Elvis’ death “didn’t really affect Lisa Marie until later.”
How did Elvis and Priscilla meet? What you should know about the duo before watching the film “Priscilla”.
Contributor: Marco della Cava, USA TODAY