Riley Keough, Elvis Presley's granddaughter and the sole heir to his estate, recently opened up about her late mother, Lisa Marie Presley, during a candid interview with Oprah Winfrey. This special, produced by Harpo Productions, aired as part of Winfrey’s series, highlighting some intimate moments and revelations surrounding the lives of both Lisa Marie and Elvis. It coincided with the release of Lisa Marie's posthumous memoir, titled From Here to the Great Unknown, which has already garnered attention by being selected as Winfrey's 108th book club pick.
Keough revealed emotional insights from newly unearthed audio recordings of her mother's life, tasks she undertook after her passing at the age of 54. Hearing her mother's recorded voice sparked memories for Keough, and she described the experience as "very intense." Lisa Marie had asked Keough to help finish the memoir before her untimely death, reflecting on her struggles and her desire to connect with readers.
During the special, Keough addressed the insecurities her mother faced about sharing her life story. "She was incredibly insecure and I think there were moments where she kind of was going, 'Why am I even writing a book about myself?'" said Keough, noting her mother's reluctance to discuss her personal life. Despite her hesitations, Lisa Marie was driven to tell her story, particularly to spread hope following the tragic suicide of her son, Benjamin Keough, in 2020. Lisa Marie envisioned her memoir as more than just personal recollections—it was meant to resonate with others facing their own struggles.
Lisa Marie's reflections about her childhood at Graceland were poignant. She described it as "a vortex with no rules," reminiscing how she often felt like a "true wild child" exploring her father's legendary residence. Keough shared her mother's sentiment of returning there as an adult to seek her father’s presence. Lisa Marie’s recordings captured her saying, "Trying to grieve my father; it's still there if I go there," indicating her lifelong connection to Elvis, who passed away when she was just nine years old.
Another touching part of the interview included Keough recounting her mother’s last encounter with Elvis before his death on August 16, 1977. According to Keough, Lisa Marie sensed something was wrong the morning of his death, highlighting her deep intuition about her father's struggles. Keough explained, "And she said good night to him and I think she knew saying good night, like she had some kind of a sense." The memoir marks the first time Lisa Marie detailed the emotional strain of losing her father.
Keough also unpacked the layers of Lisa Marie’s complex relationship with Michael Jackson, whom she married for two years after parting ways with her first husband, Danny Keough. Reflecting on her mother’s joyful memories, Keough recalled how Lisa Marie had "an obsession" with Jackson and how he treated her and others with incredible attentiveness. Lisa Marie described Jackson as someone who uplifted those around him, making listeners feel important.
Throughout the special, Keough painted her mother’s later life as fraught with challenges. Although Lisa Marie battled addiction, Keough emphasized her mother's rebellion as more youthful mischief rather than the full-blown drug issues she faced later. She vividly recounted the time when Lisa Marie’s addiction spiraled after the birth of her twin daughters, saying, “It seemed like it could have been good to have everyone together.” Keough and her father lived with them, trying to create stability.
Tragically, the weight of losing her son Benjamin triggered deep grief for Lisa Marie, something she openly expressed. Keough shared how heartbreaking it was for her mother to cope with this loss, stating, "I knew this was the end of her. You know?" She observed how much Benjamin resembled Elvis, often troubling her as both mother and son confronted their respective demons.
Overall, the hour-long special shone light on the complicated legacy left by Lisa Marie. From her struggles with self-identity to her battles with substance abuse and the grief of losing her son, Keough paints a complex picture of her mother’s life, one filled with love and turmoil. The strength shown by Lisa Marie shines through the memoir and the enlightening exchanges between mother and daughter, which are now being shared with the world.
The interview was not just about past pains; it coupled nostalgia and hope, reflecting how storytelling can connect families and maybe even heal wounds. With Keough’s heartfelt memories, the lesson is clear: every voice deserves to be heard, and sometimes, it’s the stories from loved ones living through pain and loss, interwoven with joy and humor, which resonate most.
