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Heart-Wrenching Goodbye: Lisa Marie Presley’s Unconventional Grieving Process for Son Benjamin

2024-10-08

Author: Ting

Lisa Marie Presley's Heartfelt Revelation

In a shocking revelation from her memoir "From Here to the Great Unknown," Lisa Marie Presley opened up about the profound sorrow she faced following the tragic death of her only son, Benjamin Keough, at just 27 years old in 2020. This heart-wrenching account, completed by her daughter, Riley Keough, sheds light on a deeply personal, albeit unconventional, aspect of the grieving process.

A Unique Decision in Grief

After Ben’s passing, Presley made the poignant decision to keep her son's body at their home instead of leaving him at the 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 shared. This decision highlights the intense emotional bond and the lengths that Presley felt she needed to go to properly say goodbye to her cherished son, similar to what she had done with her own father, the legendary Elvis Presley.

The Weight of Loss

Presley, the only child of Elvis, was profoundly affected by loss from a young age, having lost her father to a heart attack when she was just nine years old. Now her son, who died in January 2023 due to complications following weight loss surgery, added another layer of tragedy to a family already marked by heartache.

Maintaining a Connection

In the memoir, it is revealed that Presley had set up a special room, referred to as “a separate casitas bedroom,” where she kept Benjamin's body—affectionately called “Ben Ben.” She detailed the procedures required to maintain the cool temperature necessary for preservation, stating, "The room had to be kept at 55 degrees." This meticulous care underscores her desire to continue her role as a mother, at least for a little while longer, as she navigated the painful process of letting her son go.

Support in Grief

California law does not mandate immediate burial, and Presley sought comfort in a compassionate funeral home director who supported her request. "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," Presley recounted. Their supportive nature allowed Presley to create a sanctuary of sorts during this unbearable period.

Reunion at Graceland

Ultimately, both Lisa Marie and Benjamin are now laid to rest at Graceland, alongside Elvis Presley, in a heartfelt reunion that encapsulates both sorrow and love. As the world continues to mourn Lisa Marie’s recent passing in January 2023, her candid sharing of such raw emotions in her memoir serves as a poignant reminder of the profound depths of familial love and the unique ways that individuals cope with grief.

Reflections on Loss

This incredibly intimate glimpse into the Presley family's legacy of love and loss not only touches hearts but also raises questions about how we honor those we have lost. Lisa Marie's story resonates deeply; it challenges us to consider what it means to truly say goodbye.