Priscilla Presley Reflects on the Loss of Her Daughter and Life After Elvis
Priscilla Presley recently opened up about the profound grief she experienced following the loss of her daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. In an exclusive interview with People, she remarked that Lisa’s death was the "second saddest" day of her life, second only to the death of Elvis Presley. This poignant admission comes just ahead of the release of her memoir, Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis, set to debut on September 23rd. The memoir aims to shed light on the personal challenges and emotional turmoil Priscilla has faced over the years, providing readers with an intimate look at life within one of the entertainment industry’s most storied families.
Lisa Marie passed away in January 2023 at the age of 54 due to complications stemming from previous bariatric surgery. Priscilla described the harrowing moment when she and her family received the news. “It took a long time to come to terms with the fact that Lisa was gone,” she told People. Lisa Marie’s untimely death came after her ex-husband, Danny Keough, found her unresponsive in her home. The family rushed to the hospital, where they spent hours alongside medical staff in a heart-wrenching wait for a miracle that ultimately did not come.
The depth of Priscilla’s sorrow is compounded by the loss of her grandson, Benjamin Keough, who died by suicide in 2020 at the age of 27. Benjamin was Lisa Marie’s son with Danny Keough, and his passing added another layer of tragedy to the Presley family history. Priscilla candidly shared, "It hasn’t been easy at all. But you have to find strength." Her insights prompt a broader conversation about coping with loss and the resilience required to navigate life’s most challenging moments.
In her memoir, Priscilla recounts the devastating day when she had to make an unimaginable decision regarding her daughter’s life support. Faced with the stark reality of Lisa’s condition, Priscilla struggled with how to honor her daughter’s legacy while also considering her quality of life. The nurse informed her that Lisa had minimal brain activity and was reliant on machines for survival. In a tearful moment, Priscilla realized that she could no longer bear to see her vibrant daughter in a state of hopelessness, leading her to make the painful choice to remove Lisa from life support.
Priscilla’s strength in the face of such overwhelming grief highlights her dedication to family and the importance of making decisions that honor loved ones. As a mother, she reflects on the joys and struggles of raising Lisa Marie, who also faced numerous challenges throughout her life, including her struggles with addiction.
In addition to personal sorrows, Priscilla has also been proactive in supporting her son, Navarone Garibaldi, as he battles his own demons related to addiction. According to her, he is currently solidly in recovery and in a "good place." This illustrates the dynamic and complex nature of family relationships, especially in the public eye, where pressures can exacerbate personal challenges.
Priscilla Presley’s memoir, Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis, serves not only as a tribute to her daughter but also as a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. As she navigates her life’s challenges, her story resonates deeply with those who have faced similar circumstances—ordinary people and fans alike.
For those wishing to delve deeper into Priscilla’s life and experiences, her memoir promises an insightful perspective on her journey—not just as Elvis’s wife or Lisa Marie’s mother, but as a woman who has known both profound love and heart-wrenching loss.
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