On January 19, 2023, Lisa Marie Presley was laid to rest alongside her son, Benjamin Keough, at Graceland’s Meditation Garden in Memphis, Tennessee. This private burial was followed by a public memorial service held on January 22, 2023. Graceland holds a special significance for the Presley family, as it is the final resting place of Lisa Marie’s father, Elvis Presley, as well as her grandparents, Gladys and Vernon. Even Elvis’ grandmother, Minnie Mae Presley, was buried on the property.
A Tragic Pattern Repeated
Unfortunately, Lisa Marie’s premature passing adds to the tragic legacy of the Presley family. Her father, Elvis, passed away in 1977 due to a heart attack, while her mother, Gladys, died from a heart attack complicated by alcohol poisoning. Lisa Marie’s children, particularly her 14-year-old twin daughters Harper and Finley Lockwood, are struggling to process the loss of their beloved mother. They are so traumatized that they don’t feel comfortable returning to the house where she tragically died.
Honoring Lisa Marie’s Memory
Lisa Marie’s memorial service was held at Graceland and live-streamed for fans around the world. The service provided an opportunity for both physical attendance and virtual participation. The live stream started at 9 a.m. CT, allowing fans to pay their respects from the comfort of their own homes.
Echoes of the Past
In some eerie parallels, the cause of Lisa Marie’s death was similar to that of some of her family members. Elvis, for example, passed away from a heart attack. Although initially suspected of a drug overdose, this theory was later disproven. Lisa Marie’s mother, Gladys, also suffered a heart attack, but her death was additionally attributed to liver failure caused by alcohol poisoning.
Coping with Loss
The grief experienced by Lisa Marie’s family is profound. Elvis was devastated by the loss of his mother and never fully recovered from the pain. Lisa Marie herself witnessed her father’s decline before his eventual passing. Now, her daughters must navigate their own grief with the support of their family. Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie’s mother, has been staying with her granddaughters in Los Angeles since the tragedy. Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s oldest daughter, is also present, offering support and processing her own grief.
The Burial Request
In the midst of trust negotiations following Lisa Marie’s death, Priscilla Presley made a request to be buried next to her late husband. However, she ultimately dropped this request without causing any dispute. Despite not getting her desired burial place, Priscilla still received a substantial payout from Lisa Marie’s trust. The family has settled its legal matters and is focused on healing and honoring Lisa Marie’s memory.
The Haunting Graceland
Graceland, the place Lisa Marie once called home, now serves as the burial site for several members of the Presley family. Lisa Marie often found the presence of the graveyard unsettling, as it was a constant reminder of mortality. In her song “Lights Out,” she referred to it as the “Damn back lawn.” However, despite her reservations, she planned to be buried next to her grandmother. Following Lisa Marie’s death, her daughter Riley announced that her resting place would instead be beside her beloved brother, Benjamin.
Remembering Lisa Marie
As the Presley family navigates the legal complexities surrounding Lisa Marie’s estate, it remains important to honor her memory. She was more than just an heir to a famous name; she was a loving mother, a talented songwriter, and a cherished member of her family. While the court proceedings are necessary, it is crucial that the family doesn’t lose sight of the woman they loved and the impact she had on their lives.
