Lisa Marie Presley said son Benjamin's death 'shattered my heart' just months before her own death
Advertisement
Zac Ntim
Jan 14, 2023, 00:32 IST
Lisa Marie Presley and Austin Butler.Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Warner Bros.
Months before her own death, Lisa Marie Presley mourned her son Benjamin in a series of tweets.
Presley praised "Elvis," the biopic about her father, but said it hurt that her son couldn't see it.
Advertisement
Back in May 2022, Lisa Marie Presley heaped praise on Australian filmmaker Baz Lurhmann's biopic about the life of her father, Elvis Presley, and described her sadness that her late son, Benjamin Keough, will never be able to see the film.
In a series of tweets in May 2022, Presley began by saying that she hasn't posted online in some time because "there really isn't much to say as I'm and will forever be mourning the loss of my son."
Benjamin, Presley's son with musician Danny Keough, died in 2020 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 27.
"Navigating through this hideous grief that absolutely destroyed & shattered my heart and my soul into almost nothing has swallowed me whole," she tweeted.
Advertisement
Presley continued that she had seen "Elvis," the biopic about her father twice, and praised the film's director, Baz Lurhmann, and actor Austin Butler, who stars in the titular role.
"Let me tell you that it is nothing short of spectacular. Absolutely exquisite. Austin Butler channeled and embodied my father's heart & soul beautifully," Presley tweeted. "In my humble opinion, his performance is unprecedented and FINALLY done accurately and respectfully. (If he doesn't get an Oscar for this, I will eat my own foot, haha.)"
Presley added that she watched the film with her three children, Riley, Harper, and Finley, and she was moved to tears by their emotional reactions.
"All 3 visibly overwhelmed in the best way possible way, and so filled with pride about their grandfather and his legacy in a way that I have not previously experienced," she tweeted.
In a separate tweet, however, Presley added that she left the screening thinking about her late son, Benjamin.
Advertisement
"It breaks my heart that my son isn't here to see it. He would have absolutely loved it as well," she said. "I can't tell you enough how much I love this film and I hope you love it too. Everyone involved poured their hearts and souls into it, which is evidenced in their performances."
Presley had previously shared praise for Lurhmann's "Elvis" last month, following a private screening of the film.
"It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered. Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding. Halfway through the film Jerry and I looked at each other and said WOW!!!" she wrote on Facebook in April 2022.
"It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us," Priscilla Presley said in a statement on Thursday. "She was the most passionate, strong, and loving woman I have ever known."
Advertisement
Presley's representative also confirmed her death in a statement to Insider.
"Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie," the statement from Presley's representative said. "They are profoundly grateful for the support, love, and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."
{{}}
NewsletterSIMPLY PUT - where we join the dots to inform and inspire you. Sign up for a weekly brief collating many news items into one untangled thought delivered straight to your mailbox.