Riley Keough, the granddaughter of Elvis Presley, has opened up about her mother, Lisa Marie Presley’s deep connection with Elvis. The interview was part of an Oprah Winfrey special “An Oprah Special: The Presleys — Elvis, Lisa Marie, and Riley”, which aired on CBS in October 2023, and discussed the complexities of the Presley legacy.

Lisa Marie Presley’s Intuition About Elvis’s Passing

Riley Keough revealed a deeply personal memory about the day her father, Elvis, died. According to Keough, Lisa Marie, who was only nine years old at the time, had an instinctual feeling that something was amiss with her father on the morning of August 16, 1977. She had said goodnight to him the previous evening, sensing something was off, almost as if she knew he was going to die.

A Premonition of Loss

Riley described how her mother often expressed concern for her father, noting occasions when she found Elvis appearing disoriented, holding onto railings for support. These experiences, coupled with letters Lisa Marie wrote in her childhood, expressing her fears about her father’s health, illustrate that she held an underlying apprehension about his well-being. Keough emphasizes that these incidents point to a profound connection Lisa Marie shared with her father, enabling her to sense his vulnerability.

A Close Bond Between Father and Daughter

Keough paints a vivid picture of the intimate bond between Lisa Marie and Elvis, emphasizing their close relationship. They spent substantial time alone together in their Graceland home, forging a unique bond that set them apart from the rest of the family. This intimacy provided Lisa Marie with a unique understanding of her father, perhaps allowing her to grasp the complexities of his personality and the challenges he faced.

A Shared Legacy

Lisa Marie’s intimate perspective of Elvis shines through her personal stories. These stories were meticulously recorded and documented for her memoir, “From Here to the Great Unknown”, which Riley finished co-writing after her mother’s death. This posthumous publication delves into the intimate relationship between Lisa Marie and Elvis, providing valuable insights into the life of the King and the legacy he left behind.

The Legacy Continues

Riley Keough’s interview with Oprah Winfrey goes beyond a simple recollection of family stories. It serves as a bridge, connecting three generations of the Presley family and emphasizing their shared legacy. Riley, a successful actress and director, not only recounts her family history but also reflects on her own journey of carrying forward the Presley legacy in her artistic pursuits. The special captures the complexities of navigating life in the shadow of a global icon, showing how the Presley legacy has shaped not only their personal lives but also their professional paths.

Take Away Points

• Lisa Marie Presley, as a child, seemed to have a premonition about Elvis’s passing. This reveals the strong and unique bond between father and daughter.
• The closeness between Lisa Marie and Elvis allowed her to see her father in a more intimate way, creating a special and meaningful understanding of his life.
• Riley Keough’s participation in the special underscores the powerful legacy left by Elvis and how it influences not only her own personal journey but also her professional career.
• “An Oprah Special: The Presleys — Elvis, Lisa Marie and Riley” offers a glimpse into the intricate relationships within the Presley family and the lasting impact of Elvis’s legend.