Riley Keough is stepping forward to support her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, amid backlash over her controversial decision regarding her late son, Benjamin Keough.
Following the release of Lisa’s posthumous memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, Riley addressed the public’s criticism during an interview with People.
In the memoir, which Riley completed after her mother’s passing, a shocking revelation came to light: Lisa Marie kept Benjamin’s body on dry ice before his burial in Tennessee in 2020. Benjamin tragically died by suicide at the young age of 27.
Riley shared insight into her mother’s motives, stating, “She didn’t want his body to be somewhere where people could mess with it.” As members of a high-profile family, Riley noted that Lisa felt a strong need for control during this harrowing time.
With the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Riley explained that the circumstances surrounding Benjamin’s burial were complex. “The truth is that it was COVID and the plans to bury him were really unclear,” she stated, highlighting the difficulties they faced.
Riley emphasized the logistical hurdles they encountered during a time of profound grief. “We needed to get to Graceland, and it was really hard because it was COVID, and we didn’t know who was going to come, so there was a lot of planning that needed to happen,” she said.
The pressure of organizing a burial amid a pandemic added to the emotional turmoil for both Lisa and Riley. Despite the criticism, Riley made it clear that her mother would have brushed off any negative opinions. “If my mom were here, she’d be like, ‘Yeah, whatever. I don’t care. If people think that’s crazy, they can go f** themselves,’” she asserted.
This period has been especially difficult for Riley, who is no stranger to the complexities of loss. The Manodrome actress has had her share of grief and challenges in the public eye, and this latest revelation sheds light on the intensity of her family’s situation.
In discussing the emotional toll of the past few years, Riley expressed how challenging it has been to navigate the public’s perception of their family. She wants to ensure that her mother’s choices are understood in the context of love and grief.
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Riley’s debut in the film industry came through the musical biopic The Runaways, where she portrayed the character Marie Currie. More recently, she starred in Hulu’s Under the Bridge, which premiered in April 2024, showcasing her evolving career amid personal struggles.
Riley’s heartfelt defense of her mother serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities that come with grief, particularly for families in the public eye. The intense scrutiny can often overshadow the personal battles faced by those grieving a loved one.
In light of these revelations, it’s essential to recognize the motivations behind Lisa Marie’s choices. The decision to keep Benjamin’s body on dry ice reflects a mother’s desire to protect her son even after death.
As the public continues to grapple with the details of this heartbreaking story, Riley Keough’s support for her mother emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique circumstances surrounding each family’s experience with loss.
Through her words, Riley hopes to foster compassion and empathy for those navigating similar paths. The Keough family’s journey serves as a reminder that grief manifests in many forms, and everyone deserves the space to process it in their way.
In a world quick to judge, Riley’s defense of her mother brings forth a much-needed perspective. It challenges us to consider the depth of love that fuels even the most unconventional decisions made in times of sorrow.
