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As the only child of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, Lisa Marie Presley’s life was one of music royalty.

With the prestigious Presley name and as the sole heir to Elvis’ Graceland estate, rock music’s first princess was born into fame and fortune.

Presley, who died aged 54 on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at her home in Calabasas, California, would find renown of her own, launching a music career that would see her score two US top 10 albums.

But her life would be one beset by tragedy, including the death of her legendary musician father when she was just nine years old and the loss of her son.

She would also have four high-profile separations, including from the singer Michael Jackson, and a fateful 107-day marriage to the actor Nicholas Cage.

Tragedy at the age of nine

Born in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, at the tail-end of “Elvis-mania”, news of Lisa Marie’s birth was celebrated like that of traditional royalty.

FILE -Elvis Presley poses with wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie, in a room at Baptist hospital in Memphis, Tenn., on Feb. 5, 1968.  Lisa Marie Presley, a singer, Elvis... only daughter and a dedicated keeper of her father...s legacy, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 after being hospitalized for a medical emergency. (AP Photo/File)
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Elvis poses with wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie in 1968

But her family life would soon be torn apart by infidelity.

After claims of affairs on both sides, Priscilla’s affair with her karate teacher proved the final straw in the couple’s already tumultuous marriage.

The pair eventually separated later that year, in 1972.

Lisa Marie, then aged four, would spend her childhood between her mother’s Californian home and her father’s estate of Graceland in Memphis.

Her mother would later enter a relationship with actor Michael Edwards, who Lisa Marie would accuse in a 2003 interview of “coming into my room and being inappropriate while drunk” when she was a teenager.

Tragedy struck again when Lisa Marie was just nine years old, when her father died at the age of just 42 after suffering a heart attack.

During her school years, she began to experiment with drugs, leading her mother to send her to a series of private schools and at one point a boarding school.

Lisa Marie Presley poses for her first picture, safe in the lap of her mother, Priscilla, on February 5, 1968, while proud father, Elvis Presley, beams his approval. The baby is the first child for Elvis and his wife, the former Priscilla Beaulieu. (AP Photo/Perry Aycock)
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Lisa Marie Presley poses for her first picture, safe in the lap of her mother, Priscilla, on February 5, 1968, alongside beaming father, Elvis Presley

Speaking about her school years in a 2003 interview with the LA Times, she said: “(I) was kind of a loner, a melancholy and strange child.

“I had a real self-destructive mode for a while.

“I never really fit into school. I didn’t really have any direction.”

Failed first marriage and ill-fated second with Michael Jackson

After dropping out of high school in her Junior year, Lisa Marie was sent to the Scientology Celebrity Center for drug rehabilitation, where she would meet her first husband, musician Danny Keough.

The pair married in 1988 and had two children; Riley, who is now an actress and model, and Benjamin.

Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough at The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear" Los Angeles Screening on June 13, 1991 in Westwood, California Credit: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch /IPX
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Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough

Just three weeks after her divorce from Keough was finalised in 1994, Lisa Marie got married to the singer Michael Jackson, following his proposal over the phone.

The pair soon went to the Dominican Republic, where Lisa Marie filed a quick divorce to Keough, then wed Jackson in private.

She later publicly announced the wedding, by saying: “My married name is Mrs Lisa Marie Presley-Jackson. My marriage to Michael Jackson took place in a private ceremony outside the United States weeks ago.”

Read more:
Elvis’ only daughter dies at the age of 54
Lisa Marie discusses her “biggest flaws” in 2012 interview

But their marriage was rocked by the emerging allegations of child abuse against Jackson.

The singer reportedly became dependent on Lisa Marie for emotional support, while she became concerned about his use of sedative drugs.

Lisa Marie later said in an interview with Rolling Stone that she had hoped to “save” the troubled singer.

Popstar Michael Jackson and his bride Lisa Marie Presley-Jackson hold each others hands August 6
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Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley

The marriage was dogged by theories the pair had an asexual relationship, leading to Lisa Marie appearing in a suggestive video for his 1995 hit You Are Not Alone.

But a year later, in 1996, the pair divorced.

A 107-day marriage to Nicholas Cage

The couple attempted to reconcile over the next four years. However, in 2000, Lisa Marie would enter a new relationship with singer John Oszajca.

But she dramatically broke off their engagement after meeting actor Nicholas Cage at a party.

The pair married in August 2002. But just 107 days later, their marriage ended in divorce.

Actor Nicolas Cage arrives with girlfriend Lisa Marie Presley at the Los Angeles premiere of his new film "Windtalkers" in Hollywood June 11, 2002. "Windtalkers" opens June 14 in the United States. REUTERS/Fred Prouser FSP/SV
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Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley

Speaking to Larry King about the marriage in 2003, she said: “It looked attractive, like I could be equal. Similar situations, similar backgrounds.

“So we connected, we had a great connection.

“It was kind of one of those things where you marry someone hoping… to either stabilise [my life] or it’s going to, you know, accentuate all that was going on prior to what was problematic.

“So it kind of did the latter, that’s all.”

Bitter divorce battle

Four years later, Lisa Marie married again, this time to guitarist and music producer Michael Lockwood, with her former husband Keough serving as best man at the couple’s ceremony.

The pair had twins, Finley and Harper, in 2008.

Lisa Marie Presley, at right, and her husband, Michael Lockwood arrive at NARM Music Biz 2012 Awards, Thursday, May 10, 2012, at The Hyatt Regency in Century City, Calif. NARM (National Association of Recording Merchandisers) is the trade association for the business of music, spearheading the implementation of initiatives to promote music commerce, and advocating for common interests. (AP Photo/Katy Winn)
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Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Lockwood

But their 10-year marriage ended in an acrimonious divorce in 2016, during which Lockwood attempted to lay claim to some of Lisa Marie’s substantial estate, despite a prenuptial agreement.

After a bitter battle, Lisa Marie’s inheritance was protected and their divorce was finalised in 2021.

Following in her father’s footsteps

There were happier times for Lisa Marie, however.

She followed in her father’s footsteps by pursuing a music career, starting in 2003 with her debut album: To Whom It May Concern.

It charted in the top 10 on the US Billboard album chart, as did follow-up record Now What in 2005.

Lisa Marie Presley performs during her Storm & Grace tour on Wednesday June 20, 2012 at the Bottom Lounge in Chicago. (Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Invision/AP)
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Lisa Marie Presley performs during her Storm and Grace tour

Fans had to wait seven years for her third album, Storm And Grace, which was released to positive reviews.

The name of the album is believed to have been inspired partly by her son Benjamin, whose middle name is Storm.

In 2018, Presley featured on a new record, titled Where No One Stands Alone, which was released to celebrate her father’s love of gospel music, and featured 14 original performances recorded by him.

The title track was a reimagined duet, in which Lisa Marie’s vocals featured alongside those of her father.

The death of her son

However, her life continued to be plagued by tragic twists.

Lisa Marie described being “shattered” by the news of Jackson’s death, at the age of 50, in 2009.

And in 2020 her son, Benjamin, took his own life at the age of 27.

Lisa Marie Presley (C), with her children Riley and Benjamin Keough (R), attend the 75th birthday celebration for Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee January 8, 2010. Presley, who died in August 1977 aged 42, is one of the top earning dead celebrities, bringing in $55 million in 2009 according to Forbes.com and marketed by Elvis Presley Enterprises which entertainment mogul Robert Sillerman revitalized in 2005. REUTERS/Nikki Boertman (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT ANNIVERSARY OBITUARY) FOR
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Lisa Marie Presley (C), with her children Riley and Benjamin Keough (R)

Last year, she wrote an essay for People magazine about his death.

“I’ve dealt with death, grief and loss since the age of nine years old,” she said.

“I’ve had more than anyone’s fair share of it in my lifetime and somehow, I’ve made it this far.”

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Alternatively, letters can be mailed to: Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS.

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Tom Holland and Zendaya’s engagement confirmed by Spider-Man actor’s dad

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Tom Holland and Zendaya's engagement confirmed by Spider-Man actor's dad

Tom Holland’s dad has confirmed his son’s engagement to Zendaya – revealing how the 28-year-old meticulously planned the proposal.

Zendaya, also 28, sparked engagement rumours when she attended last Sunday’s Golden Globes wearing a sparkling diamond on her ring finger.

Neither star has publicly addressed the rumours but Tom’s comedian father, Dominic Holland, has now confirmed the pair are set to wed.

He wrote in a post on his Patreon account: “Tom, as you know by now was very incredibly well prepared. He had purchased a ring.

“He had spoken with her father and gained permission to propose to his daughter.”

“Tom had everything planned out… When, where, how, what to say, what to wear,” he added.

Zendaya arrives at the 82nd Golden Globes.
Pic: Invision/AP
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Zendaya arrived at the Golden Globes with a noticeable piece of new jewellery. Pic: Invision/AP

Dominic also noted that while most men worry about being able to afford an engagement ring, he suspects his actor son was “more concerned with the stone, its size and clarity, its housing, which jeweller”.

Tom and Zendaya met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, when they played the titular hero and his love interest MJ, respectively. Their romance was confirmed in 2021.

In his post, Tom’s father admitted fears over whether being in the spotlight could put a strain on the couple’s relationship.

He wrote: “I do fret that their combined stardom will amplify their spotlight and the commensurate demands on them and yet they continually confound me by handling everything with aplomb.”

“And even though show business is a messy place for relationships and particularly so for famous couples as they crash and burn in public and are too numerous to mention […] yet somehow right at the same time, I am completely confident they will make a successful union.”

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Zendaya rose to fame after landing a role in Disney sitcom Shake It Up, and became a household name after starring in Euphoria.

Holland – who has starred in three Spider-Man films opposite his now-fiancée – made his stage debut in Billy Elliot the Musical in 2008.

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LA fires: Paris Hilton and Mel Gibson among stars to see homes destroyed in blaze

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LA fires: Paris Hilton and Mel Gibson among stars to see homes destroyed in blaze

Paris Hilton says her “heart has shattered into a million pieces,” after visiting the charred remains of her Malibu beach house which has been destroyed in wildfires sweeping LA.

Describing herself on Instagram as “in complete shock,” the hotel heiress said seeing her family memories “reduced to ashes” was “devastating”.

Meanwhile, Mel Gibson has said the loss of his family home and all his belongings in the fire was “emotional”. It burned down while he was recording the Joe Rogan Experience in Texas.

Follow live: Latest blaze investigated as possible arson

At least 10 people have been killed in the blazes, which have been burning for four days, forcing 179,000 to evacuate their homes. Tens of thousands of acres of land still burning.

The fires affected multiple celebrities, as the fires have ripped through exclusive suburbs in southern California, home to film stars and billionaires.

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Celebrities’ homes have burned down in the LA fires

Hilton, 43, said she watched her home burn to the ground on TV – and shared a video on social media from inside her gutted home.

She said she was grateful to be safe along with her husband Carter Reum and their two children, Phoenix and London, but was devastated to have lost her family home.

She wrote on Instagram: “I’m standing here in what used to be our home, and the heartbreak is truly indescribable.

“When I first saw the news, I was in complete shock – I couldn’t process it. But now, standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces.”

She has lived in the multi-million-pound property for three years.

Hilton added: “This house wasn’t just a place to live – it was where we dreamed, laughed, and created the most beautiful memories as a family.

“It was where [son] Phoenix’s little hands made art that I’ll cherish forever, where love and life filled every corner. To see it reduced to ashes… it’s devastating beyond words.

“What breaks my heart even more is knowing that this isn’t just my story. So many people have lost everything. It’s not just walls and roofs – it’s the memories that made those houses homes. It’s the photos, the keepsakes, the irreplaceable pieces of our lives.”

She described herself as “incredibly lucky,” adding: “My loved ones, my babies, and my pets are safe. That’s the most important thing”.

She thanked the firefighters, first responders and volunteers who she said were “all risking their lives” to help, adding “Even in the ashes, there is still beauty in this world”.

Water is dropped by helicopter on the burning Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills.
Pic: AP
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Water dropped by helicopter on the burning Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills. Pic: AP

Fire crews battle the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
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The West Hills section of Los Angeles. Pic: AP

‘When I got home, it wasn’t there’

Braveheart star Mel Gibson, who was away when the fires began, told NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports that the home he had lived in for over a decade had burned while he was appearing on an episode of the Joe Rogan podcast.

The 69-year-old actor said it was “emotional” to know all his belongings have been lost, but he was doing his best to stay positive.

He said he felt “relieved from the burden of my stuff, because it’s all in cinders”.

Gibson, who lived in his Hollywood home with his partner Rosalind Ross and their seven-year-old son Lars, described finding out about the loss of his house.

“I was doing the Rogan podcast… And [I was] kind of ill at ease while we were talking, because I knew my neighbourhood was on fire, so I thought, I wonder if my place is still there.

“But when I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there. I went home and I said to myself, well, at least I haven’t got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore.”

Read more:
What caused the ferocious fires and when will they end? Everything we know about the LA wildfires
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He said the family’s pet chickens had survived the blaze, and while many “personal things from over the years” had been lost, the important things were still there.

“These are only things. And the good news is that those in my family and those I love are all well, and we’re all happy and healthy and out of harm’s way, that’s all I can care about, really.”

LA fires as of Friday morning
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LA fires as of Friday morning

The ancestral home of Big Lebowski actor Jeff Bridges is also understood to have been destroyed.

The four-bedroom home, which had been in the Bridges family for generations, had been inherited by Bridges and his two siblings in 2018 according to the Los Angeles Times.

Tina Knowles, the mother of singer Beyonce, has also lost a house she owned in Malibu to the fires.

Tina Knowles, from left, Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Blue Ivy Carter arrive at the premiere of "Mufasa: The Lion King" on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
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Tina Knowles with Jay-Z, Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter in December. Pic: AP

She shared a short video of dolphins playing in the sea on Instagram, writing: “This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu! It was my favorite place, my sanctuary, my sacred Happy Place. Now it is gone!!”

She went on to thank the fire department and first responders and offered condolences to others affected by the fires.

Take That star Mark Owen and his family were evacuated from their home, with his wife Emma Ferguson describing them waking to “helicopters, thick black smoke and winds howling”.

She said while she was grateful her family was safe, it was “exhausting” to be “constantly looking online to see if your house is gone.”

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Steve Guttenberg: ‘I’ve seen such tragedy’

Actor Steve Guttenberg, best known for his role in the Police Academy film franchise, has called the fires “absolutely the worst” he’s ever seen, and has been doing what he can to help distressed residents.

Other stars to have lost their homes in the fires include Billy Crystal, Miles Teller, Diane Waren, Ricki Lake, Cary Elwes, Milo Ventimiglia, Anna Faris, Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag.

On Friday, the Recording Academy, which runs the Grammy Awards, and charity MusiCares have pledged $1m (£813,000) to support music artists impacted by the fires.

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis has pledged the same amount to fire relief efforts from her family foundation.

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Alec Baldwin files lawsuit against prosecutors in fatal Rust shooting case

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Alec Baldwin files lawsuit against prosecutors in fatal Rust shooting case

Alec Baldwin has filed a lawsuit against prosecutors who pursued a criminal charge against him after the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust.

The Hollywood actor, who was the lead actor and co-producer of the Western film, was pointing a gun at Ms Hutchins when it fired in October 2021.

The cinematographer was killed and director Joel Souza was wounded.

Baldwin, 66, was accused of involuntary manslaughter but his trial was upended in July when a judge threw the case out based on the misconduct of police and prosecutors over the withholding of ammunition evidence from the defence.

He has now filed a lawsuit for malicious prosecution and civil rights violations against those involved in pursuing the charge.

The lawsuit alleges that prosecutors intentionally concealed evidence that would absolve Baldwin from blame and “sought at every turn to scapegoat” him to “maliciously bring about or advance” the actor’s trial and conviction.

It claims the defendants, which include special prosecutor Kari Morrissey and Santa Fe district attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, were “blinded by their desire to convict Baldwin for all the wrong reasons”.

In a statement, Ms Morrissey said: “In October 2023 the prosecution team became aware that Mr Baldwin intended to file a retaliatory civil lawsuit.

“We look forward to our day in court.”

Representatives for Ms Carmack-Altwies have been contacted for comment.

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From July 2024: Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey accused of calling Baldwin a ‘c*********’

Baldwin’s lawsuit has been filed less than a month after Ms Morrissey withdrew an appeal over the court’s decision to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charge against the actor.

After the lawsuit was filed, Baldwin’s lawyers Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro said in a joint statement: “Criminal prosecutions are supposed to be about the search for truth and justice, not to pursue personal or political gain or harass the innocent.

“Kari Morrissey and the other defendants violated that basic principle, over and over, and trampled on Alec Baldwin’s rights.

“We bring this action to hold the defendants accountable for their misconduct and to prevent them from doing this to anyone else.”

Read more:
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Rust premieres three years after fatal shooting
Prosecutors say Baldwin has ‘no control’ of his emotions

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From November 2024: Tributes paid to Halyna Hutchins at Rust premiere

Baldwin had always denied the charge of involuntary manslaughter, maintaining he did not pull the gun’s trigger and that others on the set in New Mexico were responsible for safety checks on the weapon.

If he had been convicted, he could have faced up to 18 months in prison.

According to the prosecution, the actor had behaved recklessly during a scene rehearsal on the set near Santa Fe, playing “make believe with a real gun” and violating “the cardinal rules of firearm safety”.

Baldwin’s defence team argued this was not true – saying he was “an actor, acting” and “committed no crime”.

Following repeated suggestions from defence lawyer Alex Spiro that evidence had been concealed, in an unusual move, Ms Morrissey called herself to the witness stand during the trial, despite the judge telling her she was not required to do so.

Mr Spiro told the court that she had referred to the actor as a “c*********” and an “arrogant p****” to witnesses. Ms Morrissey said she did not recall this.

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