Riley Keough Discusses Lisa Marie Presley’s Struggles and Grief in New Interview

Riley Keough recently sat down for an hour-long special on CBS, where she discussed her late mother Lisa Marie Presley’s profound struggles and grief, as revealed in Keough’s new book, “From Here to the Great Unknown.” The book, completed after Lisa Marie began dictating memories before her death in 2022, provides an intimate look at her final years.

In “An Oprah Special: The Presleys — Elvis, Lisa Marie and Riley,” Keough opened up about her mother’s intense mourning following the suicide of her son, Ben, in 2020. One of the most talked-about revelations is that Lisa Marie kept her son’s body at her home for two months, struggling to decide between burying him at Graceland or in Hawaii. “On paper, I could see how this sounds completely insane and absurd,” Keough remarked, but she explained that her mother was processing grief in her own way.

Keough recounted her mother’s decision to keep Ben’s body close by, noting that Lisa Marie couldn’t bear the thought of him being far away. “She just wanted control over the situation,” Keough said, describing how a compassionate funeral home owner helped maintain Ben’s body. She also shared a story of how a tattoo artist was brought in to replicate Ben’s tattoos on their hands, using his body as a reference, which Keough described as “one of the most, like, absurd moments. Yet it was all very matter of fact.”

The discussion also touched upon Lisa Marie’s mental health challenges after Ben’s death. Tape recordings from her final months revealed her struggle with the desire to live following her son’s death. Keough noted the unique bond her mother shared with Ben, similar to the legendary connection between Elvis Presley and his mother, Gladys.

The new book also sheds light on Lisa Marie’s past drug addiction. After remaining drug-free for many years post-adolescence, she succumbed to an opiate addiction following the birth of her twins at age 40. Keough acknowledged her mother’s effort to recover from the addiction and expressed pride in Lisa Marie’s ability to avoid relapse after Ben’s passing. However, the ongoing grief and neglect of her health contributed to a critical condition in her last year.

Although the interview included lighter moments, such as Keough showing off familial artifacts and sharing memories of Oprah Winfrey’s friendship with Lisa Marie, the central theme remained the gravity of grief. Keough noted her mother’s endeavors to help others through their grief, hosting meetings at home and contemplating starting a related podcast.

There was brief mention of Lisa Marie’s marriage to Michael Jackson, with Keough stating that her mother was truly in love with Jackson at the beginning. Keough’s personal interactions with Jackson were reflected upon positively, describing a seemingly happy relationship.

The special concluded with Keough fondly remembering Lisa Marie as a loving and instinctive mother. She recounted Lisa Marie’s affection for her granddaughter, Tupelo, noting her mother’s desire to provide unconditional love despite their difficult times. “She was such a great mother,” Keough affirmed, “and even during tough times, the love was always there.”