Honoring the Grieving Process: Lisa Marie Presley's Unconventional Choice to Keep Her Son's Body at Home

In a poignant revelation, Lisa Marie Presley's memoir, "From Here to the Great Unknown," shed light on her deeply personal decision to keep her son Benjamin's body at their family home for two months after his tragic passing. This decision, while unconventional, has sparked a nuanced discussion about the complexities of grief and the importance of respecting individual coping mechanisms.

Navigating the Complexities of Grief and Honoring Loved Ones

Preserving Dignity and Control in the Aftermath of Tragedy

The decision to keep Benjamin's body at the family's Graceland estate was a deeply personal one for Lisa Marie Presley. As Riley Keough, Presley's daughter, explained, the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding the burial plans prolonged the situation. Presley wanted to ensure that her son's body was kept in a safe and controlled environment, away from the public eye. "She didn't want his body to be somewhere where people could mess with it," Keough said, acknowledging the family's high-profile status and the need for privacy during this difficult time.

Honoring the Grieving Process and Connecting with the Departed

Presley's choice to keep her son's body at home was not without precedent. As Keough pointed out, Presley found solace in being able to spend time with her father, Elvis Presley, after his passing, and she wanted to extend that same opportunity to herself and her family. "Having my dad in the house after he died was incredibly helpful because I could go and spend time with him and talk to him," Presley wrote in her memoir. This desire to maintain a physical connection with a loved one during the grieving process is a deeply personal and understandable choice.

Navigating Cultural Differences and Societal Perceptions

The reaction to Presley's decision has been mixed, with some on social media calling it "disturbing," while others recognized it as a common practice in certain cultures. Keough acknowledged that her mother "wouldn't care what people said" about her unconventional choice, emphasizing that Presley was focused on honoring her son's memory and finding comfort in the process.

Prioritizing Emotional Wellbeing and Respecting Individual Needs

Ultimately, the decision to keep Benjamin's body at home was a deeply personal one, driven by Presley's desire to maintain control over the situation and find solace in the presence of her son. As Keough noted, "If my mom were here, she'd be like, 'Yeah, whatever. I don't care. If people think that's crazy, they can go f— themselves.'" This unapologetic stance underscores the importance of respecting individual grieving processes and prioritizing emotional wellbeing over societal expectations.

Honoring the Legacy and Preserving Memories

The Presley family's decision to keep Benjamin's body at home also speaks to their desire to honor his legacy and preserve his memory. Keough shared that she and her mother decided to get tattoos of Benjamin's name, mirroring the way he had tattooed theirs on his own body. This act of shared remembrance and connection highlights the profound bond between the family members and their commitment to keeping Benjamin's spirit alive.