Sarah, Duchess of York paid tribute to Lisa Marie Presley during her life, calling her a sissy and sharing anecdotes about her late mother-in-law, the Queen.
The Duchess was one of many who paid tribute to the star on the front lawn of the Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, on Sunday.
Over the years, this sprawling estate has been the home of those who Elvis Presleybut after she passed away on Jan. 12 at the age of 54, the iconic residence has become the venue for those saying their final goodbyes to their daughters.
1972 Elvis Presley concert
Lisa Marie suffered a cardiac arrest at her home in Calabasas, California, Died at the age of 54.
She was seen with her mother Priscilla Presley two days before her death Golden Globes.
In addition to family and friends, the public was also invited to attend the live-streamed ceremony.
The event kicked off with a powerful rendition of “Amazing Grace” by Jason Clark and The Tennessee Mass Choir, dressed in black and flanked by Lisa Photo of Lisa Marie.
Filmmaker Joel Winshank began the service by saying he hoped they would honor Lisa Marie’s wish “not to grieve,” before the Rev. Dwayne Hunter followed the podium to offer her “passion, strength, Talent and Tenacity” tribute.
In his tribute, former Memphis Mayor AC Wharton named many famous celebrity parents, including Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, as well as Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hahn, who continued Said: “While Jay-Z and Beyoncé had Blue Ivy, long before Prince Harry and Meghan had Archie, right here, in this city, our very own royal couple, Elvis and Priscilla, had a Beautiful joy named Lisa Marie…
“Fifty-four years ago, a star shone over Graceland with the birth of this precious angel.” He said she was an integral part of Memphis, calling her “a precious jewel” who lived in Everyone’s “sister” out there.
He concluded: “Lisa Marie is Memphis. She belongs to us and we belong to her.”
Sarah, Duchess of York then took to the podium to speak of the Queen in her tribute and said she supported the late singer’s children.
She said: “We need to ignite an inner fire to celebrate the extraordinary Lisa Marie. I am so honored to stand here as we call each other Sissie. You have been here all your life and I am so honored to be here.. So Sissie , this is for your affection.
She went on to tell an anecdote about the Queen, saying: “My late mother-in-law used to say, ‘There’s nothing to say, and that can start to take away the pain and suffering in these moments, because grief is our price. Paying for love price’, how right she is.”
A tearful Priscilla Presley read a poem her granddaughter wrote about the loss of her mother, called “The Old Soul.” After she read it, she said: “Lisa, our hearts are broken, we all love you”.
Elvis Presley is also buried in Graceland, as are Elvis’ parents, his grandmother and his grandson Benjamin Kiaf (son of Lisa Marie), who took his own life in 2020. Only 27 years old.
Lisa Marie’s final resting place is near her son and father.
Elvis died of heart failure at the age of 42, when Lisa Marie was just 9 years old. Priscilla Presley was just four years old when Elvis Presley divorced in 1972.
Elvis Presley with his wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie in 1968
Read more: The miserable life of Lisa Marie Presley
Lisa Marie was married four times, including to pop star Michael Jackson and actor Nicolas Cage.
She has battled opioid addiction since the birth of her twin daughters in 2008.
Just months before her death, she wrote in a People magazine article: “I’ve been dealing with death, grief and loss since I was nine years old.
“I’ve had more than anyone else in my life, and somehow I’ve gotten to this point.”
She continued: “Whether we like it or not, death is a part of life — and so is grief.”
Lisa Marie with her children Riley and Benjamin Kiaf in 2010
Lisa Marie is survived by her three daughters, actress and model Riley Keogh, and teenage twins Finley and Harper Lockwood.
Her children will inherit the Graceland estate, just as she inherited it from Elvis Presley after his death.