Lisa Marie Presley’s posthumous memoir, "From Here to the Great Unknown," is captivating readers with its stark and honest account of her life, brimming with personal anecdotes and deep introspection. Released shortly after her passing on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54, the memoir has quickly garnered attention, climbing the ranks to become both a bestseller and part of Oprah’s book club. Co-written by her daughter, Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s memoir sheds light on the complex legacy of being Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s daughter, as well as her enduring struggles with loss and tragedy.
Among the most eye-opening revelations is Lisa Marie's harrowing decision to keep her son Benjamin’s body at home on dry ice for two months following his untimely death by suicide at age 27. According to Keough, this was part of her mother's grieving process — allowing her time to say goodbye. "It was really important for my mom to have ample time to say goodbye to him, the same way she'd done with her dad," Riley explained. The poignant detail highlights the deep emotional bond between Lisa Marie and her son, whom she described as her 'mama's boy'. This decision to delay burial — unusual and often shocking to many — reveals the depth of their connection and her struggle to cope with such unbearable grief.
Another significant peek inside her struggles involves her complicated relationship with her mother, Priscilla Presley. Throughout the memoir, Lisa Marie portrays her mother’s treatment of her as distant and sometimes cold. Lisa Marie once expressed the feeling: "I always felt she didn’t want me." She recounted instances from her childhood where Priscilla's preoccupation with her own appearance and the tumultuous pressures of being Elvis's wife took precedence over their connection. Elaborate anecdotes reveal how Priscilla had considered drastic measures like purposely causing a miscarriage to avoid gaining weight during her pregnancy, illustrating the strains of celebrity culture permeated even family dynamics.
Further complicatiions arose later when, at just nine years old, Lisa Marie dealt with the tragic loss of her father, Elvis Presley, who passed away at the tender age of 42. Lisa Marie stated how she felt "stuck" with her mother after Elvis's death as their relationship was fraught with tension. Over the years, she longed for reconciliation. Eventually, they would reconcile as adults, sharing moments of joy, but the initial separation carved deep wounds.
The memoir also touches on the sorrowful topic of Lisa Marie's battles with addiction, which spiraled out of control during her darkest moments. She admitted to once taking as many as 80 pills daily. Her substance use, coupled with the extreme pressure of carrying the Presley name, led her to periods of deep emotional turmoil. Nevertheless, Lisa Marie’s strength and commitment became clear after her son’s death when she shockingly maintained sobriety to honor him, even as her health was declining.
Another shocking moment revealed was the allegation of childhood molestation by Michael Edwards, Priscilla's then-boyfriend. Lisa Marie detailed how this traumatic experience shaped her youth, stating, "I woke up to find him on his knees next to my bed," recounting how it first happened at the tender age of 10. While Edwards denies these allegations, stating they are "absolutely untrue, "this dark chapter added depth to the memoir's narrative of survival and redemption.
The memoir also casts light on her relationship with the late pop star Michael Jackson, whom she married shortly after divorcing Keough. Lisa Marie fondly remembered their initial connection and shared early moments, stating, "We just clicked" and described the intense bond they developed over phone calls, which eventually led to their impulsive marriage just 20 days after notifying Danny Keough of her divorce. Yet, as quickly as the love blossomed, it wilted under secrecy and distrust surrounding Jackson’s substance abuse issues. This relationship, shrouded in media spectacle, eventually crumbled, leading another scar upon Lisa Marie’s heart.
Overall, Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir is far from just another celebrity recounting glitzy moments of fame; it is instead filled with raw, emotional depth showcasing persistent struggles with grief, addiction, and troubled relationships. It is a reminder of the human side of iconic figures, as well as the emotional burdens they carry affront societal expectations. With this memoir now reaching readers far and wide, it is poised as both a powerful tribute and somber reflection of her life, inviting readers to explore the trials she experienced and hopefully find resonance within her pain and triumphs.
Her legacy will inevitably spark discussions surrounding celebrity culture and the often-hidden, personal struggles experienced behind the scenes. After leading such tumultuous life, from Elvis to Priscilla, from Michael to her son Benjamin, Lisa Marie’s story is one of heartache but also one of resilience. Family bonds, whether strained or strong, alongside personal demons, can sculpt our human existence. With this memoir, Lisa Marie Presley shares her vulnerable story, reaching out beyond her pain, giving others strength and empathy through her words.
