Lisa Marie Presley kept her late son’s body in her home for two months, according to her memoir

Lisa Marie Presley faced unimaginable grief following the death of her only son, Benjamin Keough, who passed away at the age of 27 in 2020. In her posthumously released memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, co-authored by her daughter Riley Keough, the depths of her sorrow and the unique decisions she made during this time are revealed.

In the memoir, Riley shares how her mother chose to keep Benjamin’s body at home for two months instead of at a morgue. “They told us that if we could tend to the body, we could have him at home, so she kept him in our house for a while on dry ice,” Riley writes. This decision stemmed from Lisa Marie’s profound need to say goodbye on her own terms, mirroring how she had dealt with the loss of her father, Elvis Presley, who died when she was just nine years old.

Benjamin Keough passed away in January 2023 due to complications from previous weight loss surgery. His untimely death left a significant void in Lisa Marie’s life. The memoir gives insight into the emotional weight she carried, illustrating the connection between mother and son that persisted even in death. Riley recounts, “It was really important for my mom to have ample time to say goodbye to him. I would go and sit in there with him,” underscoring the deep bond they shared.

In the memoir, Lisa Marie describes her home as having a separate casitas bedroom where she kept Benjamin, whom she affectionately referred to as “Ben Ben.” This intimate space allowed her to feel closer to him during a profoundly painful period. The state of California does not mandate an immediate burial, and Lisa Marie took advantage of this, seeking a compassionate funeral home owner who understood her desire to keep her son at home. “I told her that 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,” Lisa Marie wrote. The funeral home owner responded with empathy, saying, “Well bring Ben Ben to you. You can have him there.”

The decision to keep her son’s body at home was not without its challenges. Lisa Marie explained that the room needed to be maintained at a temperature of 55 degrees to ensure the preservation of the body. She reflected on the bittersweet nature of this arrangement, feeling “fortunate that there was a way that I could still parent him, delay it a bit longer so that I could become okay with laying him to rest.”

This unique choice highlights the various ways individuals cope with grief, especially in the wake of sudden loss. For Lisa Marie, having Benjamin close during this time provided a sense of comfort and a way to process her profound grief. It also speaks to the deep love she had for her son, a bond that persisted even beyond his passing.

The memoir provides a window into the Presley family’s complex history with loss. Lisa Marie herself faced significant grief when her father, the legendary Elvis Presley, passed away in 1977 due to an apparent heart attack at the age of 42. This history of loss profoundly impacted her life, shaping her understanding of love, grief, and the afterlife.

In the memoir, Lisa Marie’s voice resonates through Riley’s writing, sharing intimate reflections and memories that speak to the struggles and triumphs of a life marked by both joy and sorrow. The shared experience of loss and the ways it can shape family dynamics are central themes throughout the book. Riley’s commitment to preserving her mother’s voice and memories ensures that Lisa Marie’s legacy and her love for Benjamin will not be forgotten.

Ultimately, both Lisa Marie and Benjamin are now laid to rest at Graceland, alongside Elvis Presley. This final resting place serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of familial bonds and the love that transcends even the greatest of sorrows. The memoir encapsulates a profound journey through grief, reflecting on the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring connections that define us.

In sharing these deeply personal insights, From Here to the Great Unknown stands as a testament to Lisa Marie’s life, her indomitable spirit, and the enduring love she held for her son, a love that will continue to resonate with those who knew her and those who admire her legacy.