Losing a child is a devastating experience, and Lisa Marie Presley’s grief over her son Benjamin Keough’s death reached unimaginable depths. In a heartbreaking decision, she kept Benjamin’s body in her home for two months after his passing.
Her pain was so profound that she even invited a tattoo artist to the house, so they could create matching ink in Benjamin’s memory. This intimate and deeply personal act was one way she tried to hold onto him.
These details, among others, are revealed in Presley’s posthumous memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown. The book was completed by her daughter, actress Riley Keough, following Lisa Marie’s death in 2023.
Lisa Marie’s Struggle to Let Go
In her memoir, Lisa Marie Presley shares how she had to force herself to keep going for the sake of her other children. Her son Benjamin’s death left her shattered, but she focused on staying strong for her daughter Riley and twins Harper and Finley.
Lisa Marie wasn’t ready to say goodbye right away. She was torn about where to lay him to rest—whether to bury him in Hawaii or at Graceland, next to Elvis. Her indecision reflected the deep bond she had with her son.
During those two months, she kept Benjamin’s body in a separate bedroom at her home. With the help of an understanding funeral home, she was able to keep him close as she navigated her immense grief.
Preserving Benjamin’s Memory
Lisa Marie kept Benjamin’s body in a room chilled to 55 degrees, allowing her time to adjust to his absence. She became so used to having him there that she found comfort in caring for him during those two months.
To honor his memory, Lisa Marie and Riley decided to get matching tattoos. Benjamin had his sister’s name on his collarbone and his mother’s name on his hand, and they wanted to mirror those tributes.
When the tattoo artist came to the house, Lisa Marie guided him through the process. Without needing photos of Benjamin’s tattoos, she simply said, “No, but I can show you.” This act made the moment even more personal and emotional for the family.
A Surreal Experience
Riley reflects on one of the most surreal moments in her life. She recalls how her mother asked the tattoo artist to look at Benjamin’s body, which was lying nearby in the casitas. Riley admits that despite her unusual life, this moment stood out as one of the most bizarre.
Lisa Marie herself was aware of how strange it all seemed. She acknowledged that most people would be terrified to have their son’s body in their home for so long, but for her, it felt different. She found some peace in keeping him close.
Not long after the tattoo session, Riley remembers a shift in the atmosphere. Everyone felt that it was finally time to lay Benjamin to rest.
A Final Goodbye
Lisa Marie felt a deep connection to her son even after his death. At one point, she sensed Benjamin communicating with her, almost questioning her actions, saying, “This is insane, Mom, what are you doing?”
The family eventually held a funeral for Benjamin in Malibu, led by New Age author Deepak Chopra. Riley Keough recalls being overwhelmed with grief during the service, keeping her eyes closed throughout as she fought to stay strong.
Benjamin was later buried at Graceland, resting beside his grandfather, Elvis. After Lisa Marie’s own passing, she would join them there as well.
Searching for Answers
Riley reflects on her brother Benjamin’s struggles with mental health, revealing his battles with drinking binges. Despite his hardships, she believes he didn’t truly want to die, but was lost in his pain.
After his death, Riley and her mother searched through his phone, hoping to find some clarity. They were desperate for any sign that could explain what led to his tragic end.
In one heartbreaking discovery, they found a text Benjamin sent to Lisa Marie just two weeks before he passed. In it, he admitted, “I think something’s wrong with me mentally.” For Riley, it was devastating to realize he only recognized his need for help shortly before it was too late.