Riley Keough Is Still ‘Trying to Make Sense of’ Mom Lisa Marie Presley and Brother Benjamin’s Deaths (Exclusive)

Riley Keough has been candid about her efforts to process the profound loss of both her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, and her brother, Benjamin Keough. In interviews, Riley explains that even with time, she is still “trying to make sense” of their deaths, noting that each passing day brings new layers of grief and reflection.

She remembers her brother Benjamin, who died by suicide in 2020 at age 27, as deeply sensitive and troubled by his struggles with addiction and depression. His unexpected death left Riley reeling and replaying memories, searching for answers to questions that, as she acknowledges, may never be fully resolved .

Following her mother’s passing in January 2023 from complications tied to a small bowel obstruction, Riley has taken on the responsibility of preserving Lisa Marie’s legacy. Part of this journey included completing Lisa Marie’s memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, which was published in October 2024.

In the memoir, Riley reflects on her mother’s complex life, including her battles with addiction, her departure from Scientology, and the legacy of being Elvis Presley’s daughter. This project, Riley shares, was both healing and challenging; it gave her insight into her mother’s resilience while allowing her to confront their shared history of trauma and addiction.

Riley’s book tour, designed to honor her mother, has been an emotional undertaking. The tour stops at cities that were significant to their family, including Graceland, where Lisa Marie grew up. Through the memoir, Riley is now able to introduce readers to her mother as she knew her—a woman beyond her famous lineage who faced immense challenges with remarkable strength. Reflecting on her mother’s journey, Riley commented that few truly understood Lisa Marie beyond the “Elvis’s daughter” label, and she feels privileged to shed light on her mother’s unfiltered story.