Lisa Marie Presley was so devastated by the loss of her son, Benjamin Keough, that she kept his body in her home for two months after he passed away. She even invited a tattoo artist to see him so she could get matching tattoos.
This is just one of many surprising details in Lisa Marie’s new memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, which was completed by her daughter, actress Riley Keough, after Lisa Marie passed away in January 2023.
Lisa Marie (left) next to her beloved son Ben, along with her third husband, Michael Lockwood, and a guest, at the London premiere of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” in November 2010.
Getty Images
In her book, Lisa Marie shared that she had to fight to stay alive for her other children, Riley and her twin daughters Harper and Finley, who are now 16. She didn’t say goodbye to Benjamin right away because she was torn between burying him in Hawaii or at Graceland, the Memphis estate where Elvis, her father, is buried.
Instagram/ Riley Keough
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Lisa Marie kept the room at 55 degrees to preserve Benjamin’s body and got so used to caring for him and having him there.
Riley and Lisa Marie decided to honor Benjamin by getting tattoos like his. Benjamin had his sister’s name on his collarbone and his mom’s name on his hand. Riley had her brother’s name tattooed on her collarbone, and a tattoo artist was called to Lisa Marie’s home to add Benjamin’s name to her hand. When the artist asked if they had photos of Benjamin’s tattoos to match the font and placement, Lisa Marie said, “No, but I can show you.”
Getty Images
Riley writes: “Lisa Marie Presley had just asked this poor man to look at her dead son, who was right next to us in the guest house. I’ve had a very strange life, but this moment is one of the weirdest.”
Lisa Marie also knew it was strange. She said, “I think it would scare the heck out of anyone else to have their son there like that. But not me.”
AFP via Getty Images
Soon after the tattoo day, Riley remembers that everyone felt like Benjamin wanted to be laid to rest.
Even Lisa Marie said she could feel him communicating with her, saying, “This is crazy, Mom, what are you doing? What the heck!”
The family held a funeral for Benjamin in Malibu, and New Age author Deepak Chopra led the ceremony. Riley said she had to keep her eyes closed the whole time because she was struggling to cope with everything.
Getty Images
Benjamin was buried at Graceland, next to Elvis, and Lisa Marie would later be buried there too.
Riley writes a lot about her brother’s struggles with mental health and how he often went on drinking binges. She doesn’t believe he truly wanted to die.
After his death, she and her mom went through his phone, looking for answers.
Bettmann Archive
Redferns
Riley writes, “We found a text he sent to my mom a couple of weeks before he died that said, ‘I think something’s wrong with me mentally. I think I have a mental health issue.’ It’s heartbreaking to me that he only realized he might need help just two weeks before he took his own life.”
The famous actor of “Titanic” is now completely unrecognizable
Celebrating a remarkable 25 years since the iconic release of the cinematic masterpiece “Titanic”, it’s awe-inspiring to reflect on the enduring impact of this film and its accompanying Céline Dion anthem, which have become timeless symbols of romance.
Over the years, the lead actors of “Titanic”, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Billy Zane, have undergone notable transformations. DiCaprio’s portrayal of the romantic and penniless artist resonated with audiences, while Billy Zane brought nuance to the character of Rose’s affluent fiancé.
Despite early predictions of a brilliant Hollywood career post-“Titanic”, Zane faced challenges in sustaining the initial peak of popularity. Recent paparazzi captures during his vacation have circulated widely, showcasing a departure from the charismatic and handsome mercenary he portrayed on-screen.
Presently, Zane appears bald and with added weight, a stark contrast to the captivating figure that once enthralled audiences. However, happily committed in marriage for many years, the actor seems unperturbed by the physical changes. He doesn’t appear to harbor regrets for the loss of the physical shape and appeal that made him a sensation during the “Titanic” era.
Zane’s contentment in his personal life takes precedence over external transformations, offering a perspective that transcends the superficial standards of the entertainment industry. Despite the shifts in appearance, the enduring legacy of “Titanic” continues to remind audiences of the timeless nature of romance and love.
Leave a Reply