Riley Keough was determined to honour her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, by completing her book which delves into themes of Elvis, grief, addiction, and love. The project began as a collaborative effort between mother and daughter discussing Lisa Marie’s unique life experiences. However, after Lisa Marie’s sudden passing in 2023, the responsibility fell solely on Riley to see it through.
Reflecting on her emotional journey, Keough revealed in an interview with The Associated Press that finishing the memoir, titled “From Here to the Great Unknown,” was a heartfelt duty she felt compelled to fulfil for her late mother. The book’s title pays tribute to lyrics from Presley’s song “Where No One Stands Alone,” a poignant duet she recorded with her father, Elvis Presley.
Keough disclosed that much of the book comprises Lisa Marie’s own words, transcribed from recorded memories shared by her mother. These recollections span a wide array of experiences, including moments of joy, struggles with addiction, relationships, and personal loss, such as the death of Lisa Marie’s son Benjamin in 2020.
Among the intimate narratives recounted in the memoir are details of Lisa Marie’s childhood at Graceland, her tumultuous marriage to Michael Jackson, and her complex relationship with her legendary father. Keough described the process of listening to her mother’s recorded voice as both heart-wrenching and uplifting, capturing a range of emotions from sorrow to joy.
Despite the challenges of reliving past traumas, Keough acknowledged the importance of preserving her mother’s legacy and shedding light on difficult topics such as addiction and mental health. Lisa Marie’s candid writing style aims to spark meaningful conversations about grief, loss, and healing, emphasizing the need to connect with others on a human level.
As Keough navigates her own path of grief following the losses she has endured, she finds solace in sharing her mother’s story and encouraging others to cherish their loved ones through shared memories. The completion of Lisa Marie’s memoir stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in fostering empathy, understanding, and healing in the face of adversity.