A mother's grief takes an extraordinary turn in the aftermath of a tragic loss.

According to a Daily Mail Online report, Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of the legendary Elvis Presley, kept her son Benjamin Keough's body at her home for two months following his suicide.

This revelation comes from a memoir completed by her daughter, actress Riley Keough, and released today.

Memoir Reveals Preserved Body In Home

The book, titled "FROM HERE TO THE GREAT UNKNOWN," provides an intimate look into Lisa Marie's profound grief and unconventional coping mechanisms. It details how she maintained her son's body in a separate bedroom of her California home, preserving it at 55 degrees Fahrenheit using dry ice.

Lisa Marie, who passed away in January 2023 at the age of 54, wrote in her memoir about the arrangements she made with an empathetic funeral home owner. She explained that California law does not mandate immediate burial, allowing her to keep Benjamin's body at home.

Unusual Grief Process Revealed in Memoir

The memoir sheds light on Lisa Marie's struggle to let go of her son. She admitted to becoming accustomed to caring for his body in the room before his final burial. This unconventional approach to mourning reflects the depth of her loss and her reluctance to say a final goodbye.

Benjamin Keough died by suicide in August 2020 at the age of 27. His death profoundly impacted Lisa Marie, inspiring her to write candidly about grief until her own passing three years later.

In the book, Lisa Marie acknowledged the unusual nature of her actions, writing:

I think it would scare the living fking p* out of anybody else to have their son there like that. But not me.

Family's Emotional Journey and Healing

Riley Keough, who co-authored the memoir with her mother, explained her motivation for completing the book. She aimed to present her mother as a "three-dimensional human being" and honor her memory by telling a human story in extraordinary circumstances.

The memoir also reveals touching moments of family bonding through their shared grief. Lisa Marie, Riley, and Benjamin honored their connection by getting matching tattoos. When the tattoo artist requested photos of Benjamin for reference, Lisa offered to show the body itself, leading to what Riley described as one of the most absurd moments of her life.

Eventually, the family recognized it was time for Benjamin to be laid to rest. A funeral was held in Malibu before he was buried at Graceland, where Lisa Marie would later join him in a shared plot.

Memoir Explores Lisa Marie's Life and Legacy

"FROM HERE TO THE GREAT UNKNOWN" covers various aspects of Lisa Marie's life, including her relationship with Elvis, romantic partnerships, motherhood, and the devastating loss of her son. It also touches on joyful moments, such as the birth of Riley's daughter, Tupelo.

Riley Keough is set to embark on a fall book tour to promote the memoir, visiting six cities, including New York, Memphis, and London. She will be joined by special guests at these events, which run from October 9 to 20.

The memoir provides an intimate look at Lisa Marie Presley's life, exploring her struggles, triumphs, and the profound impact of losing her son. It offers readers a glimpse into the complex emotions and unconventional choices made by a grieving mother, ultimately painting a complete picture of a woman known to the world, primarily as Elvis Presley's daughter.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Grief manifests uniquely in everyone, and understanding personal ways of coping is crucial for communal empathy.
2. Opening dialogues about mental health and suicide prevention can save lives, highlighting the importance of support systems and professional help.
3. Though one might take all precautions, unpredictable tragedies can still occur, emphasizing that victim-blaming is harmful and unproductive.

Why This Story Matters

This story sheds light on the often hidden and stigmatized truths of grief and mental health challenges faced by individuals, even those in the public eye. It serves as a reminder of the human behind the headlines and the complexity of personal trauma. The detailed narrative provides a foundation for broader discussions on mental health and coping mechanisms that could lead to better support and understanding in the community.

The release of Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir, with such intimate and painful details, is a testament to the love of a mother for her son and her determination to keep his memory alive in the hearts of her readers. It’s a poignant reminder of individuals' struggles and the lengths they go to find solace in the wake of irreplaceable loss.

Ultimately, Lisa Marie’s narrative and Riley’s dedication to sharing it invites us into a profound conversation on loss, love, and the ways we cling to those we care about, even after they are gone.