Lisa Marie Presley’s sudden passing in 2023 shocked the world, especially since she had just appeared at the Golden Globe Awards just days before her death. As she made her appearance, fans were concerned about her appearance—she looked frail, struggling to speak, and leaned heavily on her friend Jerry Schilling for support.
She was 54 years old at the time, and the pain from the loss of her son, Benjamin Keough, in 2020 seemed to weigh heavily on her. Benjamin’s suicide left Lisa Marie devastated, and she had dedicated her life in her final years to honoring him.
In fact, during her last public appearance at the Golden Globes, Lisa Marie was supporting Austin Butler, who portrayed her father, Elvis Presley, in the movie Elvis. She praised Butler’s portrayal, calling it “accurate” and “spot-on,” and expressed how grateful she was that the film never mocked her father’s artistic legacy.
However, during the event, fans couldn’t help but notice that Lisa Marie seemed to struggle. She looked weakened, and it was clear that something was deeply troubling her. Fans, feeling sympathy for the singer, couldn’t ignore her recent painful history. Her grief over losing Benjamin in 2020 was still raw, and her appearance at the Golden Globes left many wondering how she had been coping.
The night was emotional not only for Lisa Marie but also for her mother, Priscilla Presley. The two women were seen wiping away tears during Austin Butler’s speech when he thanked them for their kindness and support while filming. Butler said, “I love you forever,” a heartfelt message that touched the mother-daughter duo deeply.
In 2020, just after her son’s tragic death, Lisa Marie had written a touching tribute to Benjamin. The pain was unbearable, and she shared how difficult it had been to move forward. She spoke about how she had to find the strength to continue raising her younger daughters and care for them, even as the grief from losing Benjamin seemed to consume her.
She wrote, “Please wait for me, my love, and hold my hand while I stay to continue to protect and raise your little sisters and to be here for Riley.” This was her promise to her son—no matter how hard life became, she would do everything in her power to care for her daughters, who meant everything to her.
Yet, despite her pain, Lisa Marie kept going, pushed forward by the love and memories of her son. She always believed that he was with her in spirit, watching over her and guiding her. She would often feel his presence, especially when she looked at her daughters, who adored their late brother. Their loss was just as painful for them as it was for Lisa Marie, but together, they stayed strong.
Lisa Marie’s close-knit family played a huge role in her life, and she was never shy about sharing those moments with her fans. On Instagram, she often posted pictures of her and her daughters, especially during family traditions like watching the Nutcracker ballet at Christmas. Her social media was filled with pictures of her children, her father’s legacy, and her love for her family.
In one particularly moving post, she shared a throwback photo with her three daughters during the 35th anniversary of Elvis’ concert in Memphis, showing how proud she was of her father and her own legacy as his only daughter.
Riley, Lisa Marie’s eldest daughter, also shared beautiful throwback photos of herself and her brother Benjamin, showing the deep bond they shared. One year after Benjamin’s death, Riley posted a sweet picture of them as kids, swinging together, commemorating the difficult anniversary of his passing.
Lisa Marie was grateful for the time she had with her family, especially the women in her life—her mother, Priscilla, and her grandmother, who were both still alive at the time. In 2015, she posted a beautiful picture of the three generations of Presley women, reflecting on how important their bond was. The Presley women had been through so much together, and despite the heartache they had all endured, they remained close.
Even with Lisa Marie’s passing, her family remains united, holding onto each other through every challenge. They’ve suffered unimaginable losses, but they continue to lean on each other, ensuring that their love and support for one another will always be a guiding light.
So fortunate 2 have my Mother AND My Grandmother still w me. Such inspiring and strong women, Happy Mothers Day:) xo pic.twitter.com/mxzLttHDHu
— Lisa Marie Presley (@LisaPresley) May 10, 2015
Lisa Marie’s sudden death left a hole in the world, but her legacy—her love for her children, her father’s memory, and her unbreakable bond with her family—will live on. As fans, we remember her not only for her music and connection to Elvis Presley but also for her strength in the face of unimaginable grief. In her final years, Lisa Marie remained a loving mother, daughter, and sister, and her family will carry on her legacy of love, loss, and strength.
What do you think of Lisa Marie’s life and legacy? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
