Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley and actress Priscilla Presley, died on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54. She was a singer and songwriter who released three albums and several duets with her father. She was also known for her four high-profile marriages, to Danny Keough, Michael Jackson, Nicolas Cage and Michael Lockwood. She left behind four children, including actress Riley Keough.
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The cause of death: Small bowel obstruction
According to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office, Lisa Marie Presley died of a small bowel obstruction, which is a blockage in the small intestine that prevents food or liquid from passing through. The obstruction was caused by adhesions, which are scar tissues that form after surgeries. In Presley’s case, the adhesions were a result of weight-loss surgery that she underwent several years ago. This is a known long-term complication of this type of surgery.
Small bowel obstruction can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating and constipation. It can also lead to dehydration, infection and tissue death. If not treated promptly, it can be fatal. The medical examiner’s office ruled that Presley’s death was natural and that the cardiac arrest that she suffered was a consequence of the small bowel obstruction.
The final days: A public appearance and a legal dispute
Presley’s last public appearance was two days before her death, at the Golden Globe Awards. She looked radiant in a black dress and smiled for the cameras. She was there to support her daughter Riley, who was nominated for best supporting actress for her role in The Devil All the Time.
However, behind the scenes, Presley was embroiled in a legal dispute over her father’s estate. After her death, her mother Priscilla filed a challenge to the validity of the will, claiming that she was unaware of a 2016 amendment that had removed her as a trustee and named Benjamin Keough and Riley Keough as co-trustees. Benjamin was Lisa Marie’s son who killed himself in 2020. The legal battle was settled in May 2023, but the details were never made public.
The legacy: A musical career and a family
Presley followed in her father’s footsteps as a musician and released three albums: To Whom It May Concern (2003), Now What (2005) and Storm & Grace (2012). Her debut album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America and received positive reviews from critics. She also released non-album singles, including duets with her father using tracks he had released before he died.
Presley was also devoted to her family and had four children: Riley Keough (born 1989), Benjamin Keough (born 1992), Harper Lockwood (born 2008) and Finley Lockwood (born 2008). Riley is an actress who has appeared in films such as Mad Max: Fury Road, American Honey and Zola. Benjamin was a musician who struggled with depression and addiction. He died by suicide at his mother’s home in Calabasas in July 2020. Harper and Finley are twins who were born to Presley and her fourth husband Michael Lockwood.
Presley was buried next to her son Benjamin at Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley in Memphis. She was mourned by millions of fans around the world who admired her talent, beauty and courage. She was also remembered by her family and friends who loved her dearly.
