The release of Lisa Marie Presley’s posthumous memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, has prompted comparisons with her mother Priscilla Presley’s recent book, Softly As I Leave You. Both memoirs delve into the complexities of their relationship, addiction struggles, and the impact of Scientology on their lives. The contrasts in their narratives illustrate the depth of their estrangement, particularly in the years leading up to Lisa Marie’s death.
The memoirs reveal starkly different perceptions of pivotal moments in their lives. For instance, Lisa Marie recounts her descent into addiction with a raw honesty that resonates throughout her narrative. She states, “Before I became addicted, I was focused […] I didn’t want to mess around. I needed answers.” This transition began following the birth of her twins in October 2008, when she was prescribed opioids for pain relief. Lisa Marie’s account highlights how quickly she became ensnared in addiction, reflecting on her isolation and the disintegration of her relationships.
In contrast, Priscilla’s memoir offers an outsider’s perspective on Lisa’s struggles. She writes, “It would be a long time before I found out, but there was a worm hidden in the bud of our joy.” Priscilla describes her initial ignorance of Lisa’s addiction, believing that her daughter was simply experiencing the challenges of new motherhood. This disconnect between mother and daughter illustrates the barriers their relationship faced, particularly as Lisa Marie’s addiction intensified.
Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s daughter, contributes her insights in both memoirs, painting a picture of a family in turmoil. She recalls that her mother had started taking opioids for pain and gradually increased her dosage, leading to a cycle of dependency. Riley notes, “She had been holding it back with Scientology, with raising children, with marriages, with spirituality.” This sentiment reflects a recurring theme: the struggle against a legacy of addiction that had plagued the Presley family for generations.
The impact of Scientology looms large in both memoirs. Lisa Marie reveals a profound sense of loss when she left the church, stating, “I thought, Oh my God, I’ve lost my religion and it’s been my only pavement to walk on.” Her departure was marked by fear and paranoia, exacerbated by her substance abuse. Priscilla corroborates this, acknowledging that both she and Lisa Marie had disillusioned views of the church, leading to their eventual exits.
Their diverging narratives also touch on the emotional fallout of family dynamics. Priscilla recalls a moment of tension when Lisa Marie requested her support in a custody battle against her ex-husband Michael Lockwood. Priscilla refused to sign a deposition that would falsely accuse Lockwood of unfitness as a parent, leading to a rift between mother and daughter. “To her, it was a betrayal. When the divorce proceedings finally concluded, Michael was given regular visitation rights,” Priscilla notes. This pivotal moment marked a significant turning point in their relationship.
The memoirs also explore the fragility of Lisa Marie’s mental health. Struggling with the pressures of motherhood and addiction, she often felt overwhelmed and isolated. Riley observed, “Her addiction showed up. Her father had been an addict […] So there might have been a genetic component to my mom’s addiction.” This acknowledgment of inherited struggles adds layers to the family narrative, suggesting that addiction was not merely a personal failing but a complex issue intertwined with familial history.
The tragic culmination of their struggles was evident in the years leading up to Lisa Marie’s death in January 2023. Friends noted that she had been estranged from Priscilla for nearly eight years prior to her passing, with sources indicating that their relationship was strained to the point where they avoided sitting near each other at public events. “Lisa didn’t want to have anything to do with her mom,” a friend shared, underscoring the impact of unresolved issues and addiction on their bond.
As both memoirs come to light, they serve as poignant reminders of the challenges faced by the Presley family. The narratives illustrate the complexities of addiction, the struggles for familial connection, and the lasting impact of legacy. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the Presley family’s story, these memoirs provide invaluable insights into their lives, revealing the personal battles that often lay hidden behind the public façade.
