Lisa Marie Presley’s Son Kept on Ice for 2 Months

Lisa Marie Presley’s posthumous memoir sheds light on the intricate nature of grief and the unconventional ways in which individuals cope with loss.

Exploring Grief and Healing

In “From Here to the Great Unknown,” a collaborative work between Lisa Marie Presley and her daughter Riley Keough, the duo delves into the profound experience of mourning the loss of Benjamin Keough, who tragically passed away by suicide in 2020. Rather than following traditional funeral practices, Presley made the unconventional decision to keep her son’s body in a separate bedroom in their Los Angeles home, allowing her the time and space to grieve in her own way.

A Unique Approach to Grieving

Riley recounts the family’s decision to care for Benjamin’s body at home, sharing, “They told us that if we could tend to the body, we could have him at home. So [Presley] kept him in our house for a while on dry ice.” This intimate act of keeping her son close allowed Presley the opportunity to bid a heartfelt farewell, reminiscent of her own experience with her father’s passing.

Reflecting on this period, Presley reveals that she kept Benjamin’s body on ice for two months, emphasizing the importance of having the time to say goodbye in her own way. She shares, “There is no law in the state of California that you have to bury someone immediately. I found a very empathic funeral home owner who understood my need to spend time with my son before laying him to rest.”

Embracing Unconventional Healing

Presley’s decision to keep Benjamin’s body at home allowed her the space to come to terms with his passing and decide on his final resting place. She explains, “I got so used to caring for him and keeping him there. I think it would scare the living f—ing piss out of anybody else to have their son there like that. But not me.”

Grateful for the extended grieving period, Presley acknowledges that it provided her with a unique opportunity to continue parenting her son even in death, offering a sense of closure and peace.

Honoring Benjamin’s Memory

During this time, Riley and Presley decided to get tattoos in memory of Benjamin, mirroring the tattoos he had of their names. The process of getting these tattoos became a poignant moment of connection and remembrance for the family.

Riley recounts a surreal moment during the tattooing process, where Presley’s determination to match her son’s tattoo led to a unique and emotional interaction with the tattoo artist. This intimate gesture further solidified the bond between mother and son.

Closure and Moving Forward

Eventually, the family reached a point where they felt it was time to lay Benjamin to rest. Riley shares, “We all kind of got this vibe from my brother that he didn’t want his body in this house anymore. Even my mom said she could feel him talking to her, saying, ‘This is insane, Mom, what are you doing?'”

Presley made the decision to bury Benjamin at Graceland, alongside his grandfather Elvis, culminating in a poignant funeral service in Malibu. The day was described by Riley as one of the most challenging moments of her life, filled with bittersweet memories and heartfelt tributes.

Conclusion

The journey of grief and healing is a deeply personal and complex experience, as illustrated by Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir. Through her unconventional approach to mourning and honoring her son’s memory, Presley found solace and closure in her own way, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound loss.

FAQs

Q: What inspired Lisa Marie Presley to keep her son’s body at home?

A: Lisa Marie Presley’s decision to keep Benjamin’s body at home was driven by her desire to have ample time to say goodbye and grieve in her own way.

Q: How did the family honor Benjamin’s memory?

A: The family honored Benjamin’s memory by getting tattoos in his honor, symbolizing their love and connection to him.

Q: Where was Benjamin ultimately laid to rest?

A: Benjamin was laid to rest at Graceland, alongside his grandfather Elvis Presley, in a heartfelt ceremony in Malibu.

Credit: ew.com