September 26, 2024
Riley Keough and Lisa Marie Presley at an event in 2012
The world mourned the loss of Lisa Marie Presley last year when she tragically passed away at the age of 54. While the official cause of death was reported as a small bowel obstruction, her daughter, actress Riley Keough, recently revealed the depth of Lisa Marie’s grief over the loss of her son, Benjamin Keough, suggesting a profound connection between heartbreak and her mother’s passing.
In a candid interview, Riley shared intimate details about her mother’s struggle to cope with Benjamin’s death by suicide in 2020. “My mom tried her best to find strength for me and my younger sisters after Ben died, but we knew how much pain she was in,” Riley confessed.
The weight of losing a child proved unbearable for Lisa Marie, and Riley believes this grief played a significant role in her untimely demise. “My mom physically died from the after-effects of her surgery, but we all knew she died of a broken heart,” she revealed.
Michael Lockwood, Benjamin Keough, and Lisa Marie Presley at an event in 2010
Benjamin’s death in 2020 at the young age of 27 sent shockwaves through the family, and Lisa Marie, who shared a remarkably close resemblance to her father, Elvis Presley, was never quite the same. The tragedy reopened old wounds, reminding everyone of the profound loss the Presley family endured with Elvis’s death in 1977, when Lisa Marie was only nine years old.
Lisa Marie’s own life was marked by both the joys and burdens of carrying on the Presley legacy. She navigated the complexities of fame from a young age, constantly living in the shadow of her iconic father.
Now, with the release of Lisa Marie’s posthumous memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, readers are granted a glimpse into her personal struggles and triumphs. Riley hopes the book will offer solace and connection to those who have also experienced loss, echoing her mother’s desire to help others feel less alone.
Riley Keough and Lisa Marie Presley posing for a photo in 2010
“I hope that in an extraordinary circumstance people relate to a very human experience of love, heartbreak, loss, addiction and family,” Riley expressed. She believes the book encapsulates the raw and honest emotions her mother experienced throughout her life.
“[My mom] wanted to write a book in the hopes that someone could read her story and relate to her, to know that they’re not alone in the world,” Riley shared. “Her hope with this book was just human connection. So that’s mine.”
Lisa Marie Presley’s legacy extends far beyond her famous lineage. She was a mother, a daughter, a singer-songwriter, and a woman who faced life’s challenges with both vulnerability and strength. Through her memoir and the heartfelt words of her daughter, her story continues to resonate, reminding us that even in the face of immense heartbreak, the human spirit seeks connection and understanding.
