Austin Butler is opening up about his friendship with the late Lisa Marie Presley.
During the Jan. 30 episode of The Tonight Show, the Elvis actor reflected on his bond with Priscilla and Elvis Presley's daughter and recalled meeting her for the first time.
"I first met Lisa when we screened the film at Graceland, and I've never had an experience where I met somebody and felt an immediate depth of relationship to them," he told host Jimmy Fallon. "And she was a person who didn't really have anything to prove and wouldn't open up to everybody, and she just opened up to me. And we got so close so fast. So, it's just devastating."
Lisa Marie died at the age of 54 on Jan. 12. Her passing came shortly after she'd been rushed to the hospital, with a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department telling Entertainment Tonight she'd suffered a cardiac arrest. An official cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Just two days before her death, Lisa Marie attended the 2023 Golden Globes with Priscilla, where they watched Austin take home the trophy in the Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama category for his portrayal of Elvis.
"It's weird in moments like this because it's so bittersweet," the 31-year-old star continued. "I mean, so much great stuff is happening, but I'm just devastated for her family and for her to not be here celebrating with us….To get to be with her at the Golden Globes, like, I'll never forget that for the rest of my life."
Austin said he has many memories of Lisa Marie that he'll always remember, like when she showed him a pair of her dad's slippers.
"I get goose bumps," he shared. "That was after we screened the film. His bedroom is a place that most people never get to see, and she said, 'You know, I wanna show you something.' And she took me up there and it was—I mean, moments like that. We just sat in his bedroom. And up there he's not Elvis, he was just dad. So to hear those stories, and I truly will treasure that forever."
After Lisa Marie died, Austin attended her public memorial in Graceland, where she was laid to rest next to her late son Benjamin Keough. The Oscar nominee also paid tribute to her, noting in a statement to E! News that his "heart is completely shattered" for her daughter Riley Keough, 33; twins Finley and Harper Lockwood, 14; and mom Priscilla.
"I am eternally grateful for the time I was lucky enough to be near her bright light and will forever cherish the quiet moments we shared," Austin added. "Her warmth, her love and her authenticity will always be remembered."
(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family).