You need to know
Lisa Marie Presley’s death in 2023 shook the world.
Born in February 1968, Lisa Marie was the only daughter of the late Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley. Although she grew up in the spotlight, Lisa Marie carved out her own legacy and launched her music career in 2003 with her debut album. Outside of her work, Lisa Marie formed her own family, welcoming her ex-husband Danny Keefe and two children and her ex-husband Michael Lockwood and two more children.
In January 2023, Priscilla confirmed her daughter’s death in a statement, saying, “It’s a heavy heart that we have to share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter, Lisa Marie, has left us.”
“She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I ever knew,” Priscilla added.
Lisa Marie lay down to rest in Graceland next to her son Benjamin, who died of suicide at the age of 27 in July 2020.
Since then, Priscilla has been open about her sadness and now in her new memoir, gently sharing her life after Elvis, as I leave you. Ahead of the September 23 release, Priscilla told people that her daughter was “the second saddest day of my life besides losing Elvis.”
Here’s what you need to know about the death of Lisa Marie Presley.
When did Lisa Marie Presley die?
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Lisa Marie passed away on January 12, 2023, just two days after joining her mother, Priscilla and Elvis star Austin Butler at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards.
On the morning of January 12th, paramedics answered a cardiac arrest call and arrived at their home in Calabasas, California. Seeing the patient had “signs of life,” they rushed her to the hospital for “immediate medical care.”
“My beloved daughter, Lisa Marie, was rushing to the hospital. She’s taking care of us at the moment. Put her and our family in your prayers,” Priscilla said in a statement to people at the time. “We feel prayers from all over the world and we are seeking privacy at this point.”
Priscilla confirmed her death that night.
Prior to the release of her memoir, Priscilla shared details with people about the tragic day.
“We were there all day,” Priscilla said. “Lisa was really not breathing, so she was on the ventilator. After waiting hours, she waited and prayed until the doctor came in and said, ‘I’m sorry Priscilla, she’s gone.’ We couldn’t believe it – it didn’t want to believe it for all of us.
Priscilla also shared exclusive excerpts from her memoirs with those who detailed the day.
“From the first moment I knew I had stepped into Lisa’s hospital room. “She was hooked and pounded by the machine breathing for her. There was little brain activity.
How did Lisa Marie Presley die?
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According to a medical examiner in Los Angeles County, the singer died of the aftereffects of a small intestinal obstruction. Aftereffects are defined as “a condition that is the result of previous injuries,” and in Lisa Marie’s case, she is defined as “in the form of the small intestine of the slit, caused by adhesions that occurred several years ago after bariatric surgery.”
However, in the eyes of her daughter, Riley Kieu, Lisa Marie’s death was the result of a “broken heartbreak” that grieved her son.
“My mother did her best to find strength for me and my young sisters after Ben passed away, but she knew how much pain she was in,” she told people in September 2024.
How old was Lisa Marie Presley when she passed away?
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Born on February 1, 1968, Lisa Marie was 54 years old when she passed away.
What legacy did Lisa Marie Presley leave?
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After Lisa Marie’s death, her posthumous memoirs, from here to the great unknown – was released in October 2024. Lisa Marie recorded her story in a series of tapes where Riley listened after her mother’s death.
According to the book’s explanation, from here to the very unknown, is the result of mothers and daughters working together “when they try to heal each other.”
In addition to Riley, who paved her way as an actress in Hollywood, Lisa Marie’s legacy lives on through twins Harper and Finley Lockwood, two other daughters she shares with her ex-husband Lockwood. She also shares with her husband Ben Smith Petersen, the grandmother of Riley’s two children.
In January 2023, a few days before Lisa Marie’s additional service ceremony, Lockwood said in a statement to people that the twins would “inherit the family legacy.”
“The most important thing for me at this point is to take care of my daughter and make sure they feel safe and loved at all times,” he said. “They both have incredible spirits and they will carry the legacy of our family for the rest of their lives.”
Riley was later appointed as the sole trustee of Lisa Marie’s property, including the property of Graceland of Elvis.
How did the public react to the death of Lisa Marie Presley?
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The online tributes have also been poured in by stars and fans after Lisa Marie’s death.
“Lisa Marie, you were kind of one. Whips, delicate, talented, witty, mean, generous, judgemental, but always right, loyal, worshiping your child, you worshipped your child,” writes Pink. “Today the world has lost a rare gem. May your soul rest in peace, friend.
Dolly Parton paid tribute to the whole family on Instagram, saying, “Priscilla, I know how sad you are, and I wish God comfort you at this time.
On January 22nd, Lisa Mary’s family and friends, as well as Elvis Director Bazzleman and actor Butler, gathered in Graceland to celebrate her life. When family and friends paid their respects, fans and the media were given the opportunity to visit the meditation garden.
One fan, Riley Siegfried, described the service ceremony as “very shocking and beautiful.”