In a poignant revelation, Lisa Marie Presley shared in her posthumous memoir that she kept her son Benjamin’s body in her Calabasas mansion for two months after his tragic death by suicide in 2020. This deeply personal account sheds light on her struggles with grief and the lengths to which she went to feel connected to her child during an incredibly difficult time.
The Heartache of Loss: A Mother’s Grief
Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of the legendary Elvis Presley, faced unimaginable heartache when she lost her son Benjamin at just 27 years old. In her memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, she candidly discussed the emotional turmoil surrounding his death and her decision to keep him close.
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Why Two Months? Lisa revealed that her choice stemmed from a desire to continue parenting Benjamin, saying, “I found a very empathetic funeral home owner…she said, ‘We’ll bring Ben Ben to you. You can have him there.’”
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Preservation Techniques: To ensure the body was preserved, Lisa maintained a temperature of 55 degrees in the separate casitas bedroom where Benjamin was kept, using dry ice to slow decomposition.
This unconventional choice was driven by a desperate need to maintain a connection with her son, something many parents can relate to when faced with overwhelming loss.
The Legal Landscape: No Immediate Burial Requirement
Interestingly, California law does not mandate the immediate burial of a deceased person. Lisa explained, “There is no law in the state of California that you have to bury someone immediately.” This allowed her the time to grapple with her loss without the pressure of a looming funeral.
- Empathetic Support: The funeral home owner understood Lisa’s wishes and facilitated the arrangement, allowing her to process her grief in her own way.
This unique insight into the grieving process resonates with many who have experienced loss, highlighting the diverse ways people cope.
A Bizarre Tattoo Moment: Remembering Benjamin
In a shocking yet heartfelt anecdote, Lisa and her daughter Riley Keough brought in a tattoo artist to memorialise Benjamin’s name.
- The Request: Lisa wanted the artist to replicate a tattoo Benjamin had of their names. When asked if they had photos of the tattoo, Lisa’s response was chilling yet revealing: “No … but I can show you.”
Riley was horrified at the thought of the artist seeing her brother’s body, showcasing the complex emotions surrounding grief and remembrance.
Finding Closure: The Decision to Bury Benjamin
Ultimately, after several weeks, Lisa decided to bury Benjamin at Graceland, the iconic estate of Elvis Presley. She described how the family collectively sensed that Benjamin “no longer wanted to be in the home.”
- Final Resting Place: This decision offered a sense of closure for Lisa and the family, moving from a place of intense grief to one of remembrance.
This transition is a crucial part of the healing process for many families dealing with loss, as they seek to honour their loved ones in meaningful ways.
The Calabasas Mansion: A Place of Heartbreak
The Calabasas mansion, where Lisa kept Benjamin’s body, became a haunting reminder of her loss.
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Property Details: Purchased in March 2020 for $1.8 million, the home features five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and spans 3,582 square feet.
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After the Tragedy: Following Benjamin’s death, Lisa sold the property for $1,995,000, stating she “could not set foot in the home” after his burial.
This illustrates the deep emotional scars that such tragedies can leave, often making spaces feel haunted by memories.
Moving On: A New Chapter
After selling the Calabasas property, Lisa moved into a larger home nearby, where she continued her life until her passing in January 2023 from a small bowel obstruction. This transition marked a new beginning, albeit filled with memories that would always linger.
- Continuing Legacy: Through her memoir, Lisa Marie Presley has left behind a legacy that not only recounts her struggles but also offers insight into the complexities of grief and motherhood.
Conclusion: A Story of Love and Loss
Lisa Marie Presley’s decision to keep her son Benjamin’s body in her Calabasas mansion for two months was a profound expression of a mother’s love amid devastating loss.
- Grief’s Unique Path: While this choice may seem unconventional to many, it underscores the deeply personal nature of grief and the lengths to which a parent will go to feel close to their child.
Ultimately, her story is a reminder of the enduring bonds of family, even in the face of tragedy. As we reflect on Lisa’s journey, we’re reminded of the importance of empathy and understanding during life’s most challenging moments.
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