Priscilla Presley Reveals Daughter Lisa Marie “Didn’t Want to Be Here”

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Priscilla Presley opened up about her daughter Lisa Marie Presley’s tragic passing in a conversation with Entertainment Tonight during the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

During the interview, she praised her granddaughter, Riley Keough, expressing immense delight in Riley’s nomination for her role in the Amazon Prime TV miniseries Daisy Jones & The Six.

“I’m so proud of her. But you know, she’s always been creative, even when she was younger,” she said. “We all knew that she was probably heading for this kind of fame and popularity.”

Discussing the significance of attending the award show with her granddaughter, Priscilla also addressed rumors about their family dynamic, stating, “Oh my gosh, the rumors that went out this past year have been unreal. Riley invited me tonight; she goes, ‘You know what, let’s get together and show the world we love each other, we care for each other, and we know we’re there for each other.’ But you know, this is what happens with the press, and that’s what’s so sad, that’s truly sad.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 15: (L-R) Riley Keough and Priscilla Presley attend the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
Riley Keough and Priscilla Presley attend the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Kevin Mazur via Getty Images

Nearly a year following Lisa Marie’s passing, emotions overwhelmed Priscilla during the interview as she reminisced about her late daughter, conveying the depth of how much she misses her.

“I think about her all day, all night,” the 78-year-old says. “I miss my daughter very, very much.”

Priscilla revealed that her daughter was in a negative state of mind in the days before her death. Lisa Marie had been dealing with her own grief following the tragic suicide of her son, Benjamin.

“I know she wasn’t that happy. I know that when her son died that was really when she just didn’t wanna be here,” she shares.

LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 23: Actress Priscilla Presley (L) and Singer Lisa Marie Presley attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the grand opening of "Graceland Presents ELVIS: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience" at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on April 23, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/WireImage)
Priscilla Presley and daughter Lisa Marie Presley. Photo: Bryan Steffy / WireImage via Getty Images

Priscilla Talks Overwhelming Challenges Of Coping With Tragedy

The iconic musician, and the sole offspring of the late Elvis Presley and Priscilla, passed away on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54, due to a bowel obstruction. During her lifetime, she left an indelible mark on the world, contributing through her music and nurturing four children, all while upholding the legacy of her famous parents. 

Despite Lisa Marie’s declining health in the days preceding her death, the news of her daughter’s passing came as a sudden and distressing shock to Priscilla, who is still grappling with the struggles of coping with her grief.

“It was a shock to all of us,” Priscilla says, continuing her conversation with Entertainment Tonight, “but mostly for a mother, you know, when they lose a child, a lot is lost of them too, as a parent. We grieve, we can’t believe it. We try to understand the thoughts of like, my daughter.”

RELATED: Country Artists Share Tributes To Lisa Marie Presley Following Her Death

Priscilla Presley Previously Spoke On Daughter’s Death

It’s hard to believe a year has passed since the world bid farewell to Lisa Marie Presley. 

Reflecting on her daughter’s passing, Priscilla shared, “She was the most passionately strong and loving woman I have ever known,” in a statement.

“I have my good days and I have my bad days,” she said. “It’s difficult to wake up in the morning and not have a call from my daughter, or wonder how my grandson is doing. It’s like…a large part of your life is taken away.”

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers remain with Lisa Marie’s loved ones.

Watch Priscilla Presley’s full interview with Entertainment Tonight below.

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About the Author

Kynlee Christensen

My name is Kynlee Christensen, born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Communications from Boise State University, where I decided to focus on a career as a marketer, writer, and designer. My love for country music began in my early years, listening to my dad's Chris LeDoux CDs during…

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