Lisa Marie Presley’s posthumous memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, was released on October 8, 2024, and it offers a deeply personal look into her life, relationships, and struggles. The memoir touches on significant moments, including her connections with her father, Elvis Presley, and her marriage to Michael Jackson. Here are some of the biggest reveals from the book.
Preserving Her Son’s Memory
One of the most shocking revelations in the memoir is Lisa Marie's decision to keep her son Benjamin Keough's body on ice for two months after his tragic death by suicide in 2020. She explained that she wanted to have ample time to say goodbye to him, similar to how she felt when her father passed away when she was just nine years old.
In the memoir, she writes, “There is no law in the state of California that you have to bury someone immediately.” This allowed her to keep Benjamin’s body at home in a separate room while she processed her grief. She described how caring for him during that time brought her comfort: “I felt so fortunate that there was a way that I could still parent him.” This decision highlights the depth of her love and the unique ways people cope with loss.
A Unique Bond with Elvis Presley
Lisa Marie often reflected on her relationship with her father, Elvis Presley. She shared memories of growing up in the shadow of his fame and how his death affected her deeply. The memoir reveals that she always carried a sense of loss from his passing, which influenced her later life choices and relationships.
In one poignant section, she recalls how having her father’s body at home helped her cope with his death. This theme of connection through grief resonates throughout the memoir as she navigates her feelings about both Elvis and Benjamin.
The Relationship with Michael Jackson
Another significant aspect of Lisa Marie's memoir is her relationship with Michael Jackson. They married in May 1994 when she was just 25 years old and he was 35. In the book, she reveals that when they began dating, Michael told her he was still a virgin. She writes about their whirlwind romance and how they fell in love during a trip to Las Vegas.
“Michael said, ‘I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m completely in love with you,’” she recalls. This declaration led to a quick divorce from her first husband, Danny Keough. Lisa Marie describes feeling terrified about their relationship because of Michael's lack of experience and the immense public scrutiny they faced.
Insights into Their Marriage
Throughout their marriage, Lisa Marie faced challenges related to Michael's fame and lifestyle. She writes candidly about the pressures they both experienced as public figures. Despite their differences, she expresses a deep affection for him and reflects on their time together fondly.
The memoir also touches on how their marriage lasted just over two years before they divorced in 1996. Lisa Marie acknowledges that their relationship was complicated but filled with genuine love and connection.
Family Legacy and Grief
Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s daughter, played a crucial role in completing the memoir after her mother’s passing in January 2023 due to complications from bariatric surgery. Riley expressed that one of Lisa Marie's goals was to connect with readers on a human level through shared experiences of love, heartbreak, and loss.
Riley stated, “What my mother wanted to convey in her memoir... was to look beyond the magazine headlines and reveal the essence of who she truly was.” This sentiment resonates throughout the book as it delves into Lisa Marie's life beyond being Elvis's daughter or Michael's wife.
Conclusion: A Journey Through Love and Loss
From Here to the Great Unknown offers readers an intimate glimpse into Lisa Marie Presley’s life filled with love, loss, and resilience. Her revelations about preserving Benjamin's memory and navigating relationships with iconic figures like Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson provide a rich narrative that goes beyond celebrity gossip.
As fans reflect on Lisa Marie's journey through grief and joy, this memoir serves as a testament to her enduring spirit and desire for connection. It invites readers to understand not just who she was as a public figure but also as a mother, daughter, and woman navigating life's complexities.
0 Comments