Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley and actress Priscilla Presley, died of a bowel obstruction, the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office has said. The obstruction was a result of adhesions caused by weight-loss surgery she underwent several years ago. Presley, also a singer and songwriter, died after being rushed to a California hospital on January 12, 2023. She was 54.
A Life in the Spotlight
Lisa Marie Presley was born on February 1, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, nine months to the day after her parents’ wedding. She grew up in the shadow of her father’s fame and fortune, and witnessed his struggles with drugs, health, and personal issues. She was nine years old when he died of a heart attack in 1977, leaving her as the sole heir to his estate. She inherited the estate, which had grown to an estimated $100 million, on her 25th birthday in 1993.
Presley followed in her father’s footsteps as a musician and released three studio albums: To Whom It May Concern (2003), Now What (2005) and Storm & Grace (2012), with To Whom It May Concern being certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. She also released non-album singles, including duets with her father using archival recordings. She was known for her distinctive voice and her candid lyrics, often reflecting on her personal life and her relationship with her father.
Presley was also well-known for four high-profile marriages, to musician Danny Keough, pop star Michael Jackson, actor Nicolas Cage, and musician Michael Lockwood. She had four children: Riley and Benjamin Keough from her first marriage, and twins Harper and Finley Lockwood from her fourth marriage. She was involved in several legal battles, including a divorce and a custody dispute with Lockwood, and a lawsuit against her former business manager for allegedly squandering her fortune.
A Series of Tragedies
Presley faced several tragedies in her life, especially in the last few years. In 2020, her son Benjamin Keough, who bore a striking resemblance to his grandfather Elvis, died by suicide at the age of 27. Presley was devastated by his death and said he was “the love of her life”. She also struggled with addiction and mental health issues, and admitted to using opioids, cocaine, and alcohol to cope with her pain.
Presley’s death came as a shock to her family, friends, and fans. According to the medical examiner’s report, she died of natural causes due to effects of a small bowel obstruction. This occurs when the small intestine is blocked, sometimes as a result of colon cancer, medication, or adhesions (scar tissue) that form after surgeries. In Presley’s case, the report found that the adhesions were caused by weight-loss surgery, known as bariatric surgery, that she underwent several years ago. The report also noted that she had a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and anxiety.
Presley was buried next to her son Benjamin at Graceland, the iconic home of her father in Memphis. She was remembered for her talent, her generosity, and her love for her family. Her mother, Priscilla Presley, said in a statement: “She adored that boy. He was the love of her life. She was a very special person, a very talented person, and she loved her family dearly. She will be missed by all of us.”
