Riley Keough is stepping forward to honor her late mother, Lisa Marie Presley, as she discusses the recently released memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown. This poignant book, which Lisa Marie penned but was finalized by Riley after her mother’s death, reflects on substantial moments from Lisa Marie’s life including her relationships and her battle with familial loss.
Released posthumously on October 8, 2023, the memoir dives deep—recalling Lisa Marie's turbulent teenage years, including her first romantic relationship at just 14 years old with an older man. She describes how their affair unfolded against the backdrop of not just youthful passion but also cautionary tales from her mother's own life. "I was replaying her life in a weird way," Lisa Marie wrote, alluding to her mother Priscilla’s encounter with Elvis Presley. This dynamic reiterates the elongated familial narrative of love, loss, and resilience.
Riley Keough, now 35, has publicly declared her support for her mother’s choices even after her passing. Addressing the controversial decision of keeping her brother, Benjamin Keough, on dry ice before burying him, Riley stated, "If my mom were here, she'd be like, 'Yeah, whatever. I don't care. If people think that's crazy, they can go f--- themselves.'" This proclamation showcases the candid, unapologetic spirit Lisa Marie embodied—a spirit Riley aims to project even after Lisa Marie’s untimely death from cardiac arrest at 53.
The circumstances surrounding Benjamin’s death add weight to the memoir’s revelations. He died by suicide at 27. At the time, the family was grappling with COVID-19, complicatings funeral arrangements. Lisa Marie opted to keep Benjamin’s body close for what she felt was necessary time before burial. "We come from a family that's pretty high profile, so I think she ... wanted to be in control of the situation," Riley remarked, capturing the essence of her mother’s intentions.
Throughout Lisa Marie's book, she reflects: "My house has a separate casitas bedroom, and I kept Ben Ben in there for two months. There is no law in the state of California ..." This deep expression of grief reveals her desire for connection and closure during those harrowing days. Lisa Marie also drew upon her past experiences, recalling how she coped after her father Elvis Presley’s death when she was just nine, noting, "Having my dad in the house after he died was incredibly helpful because I could go and spend time with him and talk to him." This connection between immediate family and the energy of life—and death—plays heavily throughout the narrative of the memoir.
Lisa Marie's decisions, including hiring tattoo artists to create matching tattoos with her, embodied her way of coping with loss. Riley recounts, "Even my mom said ... 'This is insane, Mom, what are you doing? What the f---!'" It's these private, surreal moments shared between mother and daughter, filled with laughter amid the pain, which add layers to Lisa Marie’s legacy.
Both Riley and Lisa Marie are now bound together not only through familial ties but also through the public's perception of their famous lineage. Ironic, as they deal with the consequences and expectations of being part of the Presley family, they continue to carve out their own narratives. Riley had two children of her own, including baby girl Tupelo, securing Lisa Marie’s legacy as more than just celebrity but as cherished member of their family.
Lisa Marie is now laid to rest next to her father, Elvis Presley, and her son, Benjamin, at Graceland, the legendary estate which has become synonymous with the Presley family name. Riley is adamant about sharing her mother's story, making sure her experiences, struggles, and legacy are not forgotten. This memoir provides insights not only about the unique trials of growing up under the public eye but also captures the enduring functionality of family bonds amid hardships.
With both joy and mourning intertwined, the revelations within From Here to the Great Unknown aim to showcase the inherent struggle against grief and the fight to maintain control over one’s narrative. Riley's commitment to preserving her mother's legacy resonates through the pages as she navigates the complex emotional dynamics of love, loss, and familial loyalty.
Losing both her brother and mother colors Riley’s view of life and legacy, yet she continues to honor them, ensuring their stories live on. The memoir serves as both tribute and catharsis, defining who Lisa Marie was not just as the daughter of the King of Rock n’ Roll but as an individual contending with the deeply human experiences of love and loss.
