Family tragedies are gut-wrenchingly complicated, and when it involves well-known personalities, the spotlight can feel unbearably intense. Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of the legendary Elvis Presley, recently revealed personal insights about her grieving process after losing her son, Benjamin Keough, who died by suicide at 27.
Presley's memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, was completed posthumously by her daughter, Riley Keough, following Lisa's own death from complications of bariatric surgery. The book dives deep not only through the corridors of fame but also navigates the personal losses and heartaches of the Presley family.
Among the most poignant details shared by Riley included the family's unconventional approach to grieving—keeping Benjamin's body at home for two months after his passing. She recounted, “They told us if we could tend to the body, we could have him at home.” The family managed to maintain his body on dry ice and preserved it within their home environment for the sake of saying goodbye.
Lisa Marie reflected on this deeply personal practice, remembering how allowing her loved ones to remain close provided solace. She noted, “My house has a separate casita bedroom, and I kept Ben Ben there for two months.” This method of grieving might shock many; after all, the societal norms around death often dictate separating oneself from the deceased. Yet, for Lisa Marie, the experience felt necessary and healing.
Riley also shared vivid moments, indicating how her mother would often sit by Benjamin, processing her emotions. She revealed, “It was really important for my mum to have ample time to say goodbye, just as she did with her dad.” Through these actions, Lisa sought comfort, echoing the time she had spent with Elvis’s body after his untimely death.
While maintaining his body at home, Lisa Marie reportedly created conditions conducive to this unique farewell. The temperature was controlled to preserve the body, and she immersed herself completely as part of her grieving process. According to her, facing death at home was “helpful to process the loss,” transforming what could be considered macabre for others—into something personal and intimate.
Benjamin's untimely passing and Lisa's subsequent reflections reshape the conversation around mourning. Riley's words convey this perfectly: “That’s the kind of kid Braxton was, always willing to risk his safety if it meant he could help someone.” This level of devotion shared within family dynamics often becomes the bedrock of personal identities and memories.
Following this exploration of familial grief, another heartbreaking incident emerged from Texas, where the mother of 17-year-old Braxton also opened up about loss after her son was killed. Kaylynne Lyons shed light on the circumstances surrounding her son’s death, which took place as he tried to help his father, Michael, during a violent altercation allegedly involving known members of the Cossack Motorcycle Club.
Lyons vividly remembered the moment she received the call, expressing, “Shocked. Anger, really. I know my child and know he would never do anything to anyone to upset them.” Braxton was described as devoted, always willing to help, mirroring the familial strength seen through Riley and Lisa's grieving.
Both stories intertwine the realities of coping with loss, extending those morose threads of despair and dedication. Whether through keeping the deceased close at home or rushing headlong to save a family member, these families exemplify the lengths love drives individuals when faced with the touchstone of mortality.
Tragedy becomes transformative, as evidenced by both Presley and Lyons’ narratives. They carry forward the memories of their loved ones through their actions, not confined to mourning but entwined with joy and treasured moments. It’s within these narratives where shared empathy surfaces, offering all of us moments to pause and reflect on our connections to those we love and have lost, and how we can choose to honor those memories.
Interest around the Presleys remains high, and as this family continues to grapple with their losses, many see themselves reflected within their stories — both the heart-wrenching struggles and the tender moments of grace. Meanwhile, the challenging decision to abandon or embrace memories remains at the forefront of grief, highlighting how these complex dynamics shape not only family names but individual legacies within the larger community.
