Lori Butler: The Life and Legacy of Austin Butler’s Mother

Lori Butler, the mother of Austin Butler, a burgeoning Hollywood sensation renowned for his remarkable portrayal of Elvis Presley in the highly praised biographical film “Elvis,” had a multifaceted life.

She was not only an accomplished aesthetician but also managed a home-based daycare while wholeheartedly championing her son’s acting aspirations from his formative years.

Tragically, she succumbed to cancer in 2014, but her enduring influence continues to shape the lives of both Austin and his sister, Ashley.

In this article, we will delve into the life and enduring impact of Lori Butler, examining how she played a pivotal role in shaping Austin’s personal and professional odyssey.

What Happened To Austin Butler’s Mother?

In 2013, Lori Butler received a cancer diagnosis, leading her to undergo challenging chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

She displayed immense courage throughout a year-long battle, but tragically, she passed away on September 12, 2014, at the age of 47.

Her son, Austin, shared the heart-wrenching news on Twitter, where he expressed his deep love and grief, stating, “Lori Butler, my mother, my hero, and my dearest friend, left us this morning. Let us all commemorate her. Mom, I love you and will cherish your memory every day.”

At the time, Austin’s girlfriend, Vanessa Hudgens, also expressed her condolences through tweets, writing, “I already miss you, mama” and encouraging others to “spread love for Lori.”

In numerous interviews, Austin has spoken fondly of his mother, acknowledging her pivotal role in his life.

He attributes his pursuit of acting and his unwavering support system to her.

He shared with Vogue that during his childhood, his mother made significant sacrifices, quitting her job to drive him to auditions and acting classes.

Additionally, he revealed their shared tradition of watching Saturday Night Live together every week, highlighting how his ability to make her laugh played a pivotal role in overcoming his shyness.

Austin paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother during his debut as a host on Saturday Night Live in December 2022.

He dedicated his performance to her memory, expressing, “Tonight, whenever you see me performing a funny voice or making a comical face, know that it’s all for you, Mom.”

How Old Was Austin Butler When He Lost His Mom?

At the age of 23, Austin Butler tragically lost his mother to cancer.

Interestingly, this was the same age at which Elvis Presley experienced the loss of his mother, Gladys Presley, due to a heart attack in 1958.

Reflecting on this poignant parallel, Austin shared with Today that it deepened his connection to the role of Elvis, stating, “Discovering the similarity in our ages and learning about his mother, it just struck me. It was one of those moments where you feel like the universe is sending a message.”

What Does Austin Butler’s Sister Do?

Austin Butler’s older sister is Ashley Lucas (formerly known as Ashley Butler), who has a seven-year age gap with him.

She is also an accomplished actress and had the pleasure of sharing the screen with Austin in the television series “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide” from 2004 to 2007.

Ashley’s acting career extends beyond that as she has made appearances in various other popular shows like “Zoey 101,” “iCarly,” and “Switched at Birth.”

In 2018, Ashley tied the knot with Tony Lucas and subsequently relocated to South Carolina.

There, she has established her own pottery business named “Ashley Bee Pottery,” where she passionately crafts beautiful pottery pieces.

Their sibling bond remains strong, as evident by Ashley’s frequent expression of support for Austin on her Instagram account.

This was particularly apparent when she attended the 2023 Golden Globe Awards as Austin’s date, celebrating his well-deserved win for his outstanding performance in the role of Elvis.

Who Is Austin Butler’s Family?

Austin Butler’s immediate family comprises his father, David Butler, and sister, Ashley Lucas.

Sadly, his mother, Lori Butler, passed away.

Austin’s father, a commercial real estate appraiser, and Lori divorced when Austin was just seven years old.

Remarkably, despite the separation, they maintained an amicable relationship and successfully co-parented their children.

Austin’s father has even taken to social media to express his pride in Austin’s accomplishments.

Currently, Austin is in a relationship with the model Kaia Gerber, whom he met in 2021.

Their romance has been publicly noted as they’ve been seen together at various high-profile events and locations, including the Met Gala, Paris Fashion Week, and even in Hawaii.