Gypsies and Travellers pay tribute to Lisa Marie Presley
Gypsies and Travellers across the UK have paid tribute to Lisa Marie Presley after she died last week from a heart attack on January 12th, aged 54, ahead of her memorial service that will be held on 22nd January.
Gypsies, Travellers and supporters took to social media on hearing about the singer/songwriter’s death.
“May she rest in peace. Now in Daddy’s arms,” commented Julia on the Traveller and Gypsy recipes and tips Facebook group – one of the most popular Gypsy and Traveller groups based in the UK.
Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley, will be buried at Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee – where she was born in 1968 - next to her father and her son, Benjamin Keough, who died in 2020.
“So sad. Back with her dad,” commented Jaxb on Traveller and Gypsy Recipes and Tips.
“I can’t believe it. Just 54,” commented Elaine.
“Rest in peace. You’re home now, with your son and dad,” commented Sandra.
VIDEO: “Back with her dad” - Lisa Marie Presley performs her song Daddy Don’t Cry
Elvis Presley and his rock’n’roll music and style, and his daughter Lisa Marie, are very popular among many Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people, with some believing that Elvis had some Romani or Traveller ancestry. It’s a rare Traveller wedding reception that does not play his songs.
“In the arms of the King, her daddy Mr Elvis Presley. Sleep tight beautiful angel xxx,” commented Jane.
“So sad. With your dad now,” commented Elaine.
“So young RIP,” commented Margaret.
“Riley, Harper, Finley, and Priscilla Presley are grateful for the support, well-wishes, and outpouring of love honouring their beloved Lisa Marie,” said the statement posted online.
VIDEO: Elvis Presley and his rock’n’roll music is popular among Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people. Salie plays an Elvis number at Stow Fair. Video by Sally Barter:
Lisa Marie Presley’s last public appearance was two days prior to her death, at the 80th Golden Globe Awards, which she attended with her mother.
A memorial service for Lisa Marie Presley will be held on the lawn of Graceland on the 22nd January. Instead of bringing flowers, the public have been encouraged to instead donate to The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation if they attend.
The foundation, which was set up by Lisa Marie, supports various charitable organisations with a focus on arts, education, and children’s programmes in the Memphis/Whitehaven area.
Lisa Marie Presley was well known for her charity work and joined Oprah Winfrey and her Angel Network and was active in the relief efforts after hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and surrounding areas. Presley gave a helping hand in Memphis, Tennessee, including delivering truck-loads of supplies to survivors. "I'm here," she said, "because I definitely needed to do something, and it just so happens this is where I'm from. I'm going to do everything I can. People need help—this is a huge catastrophe and everyone needs to stand up."
TT News
(Lead photograph: Lisa Marie Presley at the Daytona International Speedway in 2005. Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=639362)