Lisa Marie Presley’s Children: A Tribute to Riley, Benjamin, Harper, and Finley and Their Enduring Legacy
Lisa Marie Presley, the beloved only daughter of the legendary Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley, was not only an accomplished artist in her own right but also a profoundly devoted mother. Her sudden passing on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54, following cardiac arrest, left an immense void in the hearts of her family and countless fans. This tragic event occurred just days after she made a poignant appearance on the red carpet at the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards, where she expressed her heartfelt admiration for Austin Butler’s award-winning portrayal of her father in the critically acclaimed film, Elvis. While her connection to the King of Rock and Roll forever defined her public persona, Lisa Marie’s most cherished role was undoubtedly that of a mother to her four children.
Throughout her life, Lisa Marie welcomed four children: two with her first husband, musician Danny Keough, and twin daughters with her fourth husband, musician Michael Lockwood. Her eldest children, daughter Riley Keough and son Benjamin Keough, shared a deep bond, as did her younger twin daughters, Harper and Finley Lockwood. Each of her children carved out their own unique paths, while collectively inheriting the extraordinary legacy of the Presley family. This article delves into the lives of Lisa Marie’s remarkable children, honoring their individual journeys and the profound impact they had on their mother’s life and the wider world.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lisa Marie Presley (@lisampresley)
The loss of her only son, Benjamin Keough, by suicide in July 2020 at the age of 27, was a “shattering” blow that Lisa Marie never fully recovered from. Her own passing in 2023 meant that her daughters became the heirs to Graceland, Elvis’s iconic Memphis estate, a responsibility they now share. At Lisa Marie’s public memorial service, an emotional revelation came to light: her eldest daughter, Riley, had quietly welcomed her first child with her husband, Ben Smith-Peterson, making Lisa Marie a grandmother shortly before her untimely death. This new generation continues the enduring legacy of the Presley family, ensuring their history and influence live on.
Below, we explore the lives and contributions of Lisa Marie Presley’s children, from their early years to their present-day endeavors.
Riley Keough: A Daughter Forging Her Own Path
Born on May 29, 1989, Riley Keough is Lisa Marie’s first child with Danny Keough. From a young age, Riley was immersed in the unique environment of a globally renowned family, yet she has masterfully carved out an impressive career for herself, spanning both modeling and acting, and more recently, filmmaking. Her debut on the runway came in 2004 for Dolce & Gabbana, marking the beginning of her journey in the fashion world.
In 2010, Riley transitioned into acting, making her debut in the biographical drama The Runaways, where she starred alongside Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning. This role paved the way for a series of acclaimed performances in diverse projects. She gained significant recognition for her powerful portrayal in George Miller’s action epic Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), where her nuanced performance stood out. She continued to impress critics with her roles in Andrea Arnold’s indie hit American Honey (2016), which earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination, and Steven Soderbergh’s heist comedy Logan Lucky (2017). Her versatility also saw her appear in a 2018 episode of the popular series Riverdale, showcasing her range across different genres and platforms. Riley’s ability to consistently deliver compelling performances has established her as a formidable talent in Hollywood, admired for her independent spirit and artistic integrity.
Beyond acting, Riley expanded her creative horizons in 2022 by making her directorial debut with the film War Pony. The film premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it was honored with the coveted Camera d’Or award, a testament to her emerging talent behind the camera. Overwhelmed by the recognition, Riley shared with PEOPLE at the time, “I’m very overwhelmed. I haven’t really taken it all in yet.” This achievement marked a significant milestone in her career, demonstrating her artistic vision and ability to tell compelling stories.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lisa Marie Presley (@lisampresley)
Riley has frequently shared insights into her unique upbringing, describing a childhood balanced between two vastly different worlds. “I grew up very privileged with my mother. But my dad didn’t live like that,” she revealed to The Guardian in 2017. She recalled spending time in cabins and trailer parks with her father, Danny, a contrast that she credits with providing her a grounded perspective. “My memories of growing up with him were so colorful and eccentric and fun,” she added, emphasizing how these diverse experiences fostered a balanced view of life.
In a revealing interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show back in 2007, Riley and Lisa Marie discussed Lisa Marie’s deliberate efforts to encourage Riley’s individuality. Lisa Marie emphasized her desire for her children to explore their own interests without feeling overshadowed by the family’s immense fame. “I didn’t want her to have that shadow where she felt competition and intimidated by anything,” Lisa Marie explained. “I wanted [my children] to be able to do what they wanted to do,” highlighting her commitment to their personal freedom and self-discovery.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Riley Keough (@rileykeough)
The profound grief experienced after her brother Benjamin’s tragic death in 2020 inspired Riley to pursue a new path as a death doula. In a heartfelt 2021 Instagram post, she explained her desire to help others navigate the complexities of loss and the end-of-life process. “I think it’s so important to be educated on conscious dying and death the way we educate ourselves on birth and conscious birthing,” she wrote, advocating for greater awareness and preparation for death. “We prepare ourselves so rigorously for the entrance and have no preparation for our exit. So I’m so grateful for this community and to be able to contribute what I can,” she added, reflecting her deep empathy and commitment to supporting others in their moments of greatest need.
In her personal life, Riley married Australian stuntman Ben Smith-Petersen in 2015, a relationship she frequently praises. “My husband is such a good person,” she penned in a 2022 essay for Vogue Australia. “He’s calm and loyal and strong and sensitive. He’s my best friend.” Their bond deepened further with the quiet arrival of their first child, a daughter, in 2022. This joyous news was publicly revealed during Lisa Marie’s memorial service, where Ben read Riley’s poignant tribute to her late mother. In her touching words, Riley expressed her hopes for motherhood: “I hope I can love my daughter the way you loved me, the way you loved my brother and my sisters.” This new addition to the family signifies a continuation of love and legacy, even amidst profound loss.
Benjamin Keough: A Soul Resembling the King
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lisa Marie Presley (@lisampresley)
Benjamin Storm Presley Keough, born on October 21, 1992, was Lisa Marie’s only son and the cherished grandson of Elvis Presley. Throughout his life, Benjamin was strikingly compared to his legendary grandfather, a resemblance that often drew significant attention. “Ben does look so much like Elvis,” Lisa Marie shared with CMT in 2012. “He was at the Opry and was the quiet storm behind the stage. Everybody turned around and looked when he was over there. Everybody was grabbing him for a photo because it is just uncanny.” This uncanny likeness, while a source of fascination for many, also cast a long shadow, adding an immense layer of pressure to his life.
Unlike his sister Riley, Benjamin largely chose to live a life away from the relentless public spotlight, maintaining a very low profile. He occasionally explored music, but he openly struggled with the immense and often overwhelming pressure of being part of the iconic Presley family. Following his tragic death by suicide in July 2020 at the age of 27, his close friend Brandon Howard spoke to PEOPLE about Benjamin’s private struggles. Brandon explained that Benjamin battled depression, a challenge exacerbated by the isolation of the pandemic. “It’s almost like you’re pressured into having to be a musician, having to be an actor… It was good for him to go around the world and discover himself and have his own friends,” Brandon shared, shedding light on Benjamin’s desire for a life beyond the family legacy.
Friends remembered Benjamin as an incredibly loyal and deeply caring individual, always ready to support those he loved. “He would be the one who would come crash with you on the couch for weeks until you’re actually feeling better,” Brandon added, painting a picture of a compassionate soul who prioritized the well-being of his loved ones. His kindness and unwavering support left a lasting impact on those who knew him best.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lisa Marie Presley (@lisampresley)
Benjamin’s death left his entire family utterly devastated, impacting Lisa Marie most profoundly. Riley has continued to share emotional tributes to her brother, keeping his memory alive. Lisa Marie herself courageously opened up about her overwhelming grief in a powerful 2022 essay for National Grief Awareness Day. “I keep going for my girls,” she wrote, referring to her three daughters. “I keep going because my son made it very clear in his final moments that taking care of his little sisters and looking out for them were on the forefront of his concerns and his mind. He absolutely adored them and they him.” This poignant statement underscored the depth of Benjamin’s love for his sisters and Lisa Marie’s unwavering commitment to honoring his memory by continuing to live for her surviving children.
Harper and Finley Lockwood: The Next Generation of Presley Legacy
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lisa Marie Presley (@lisampresley)
Harper Vivienne Ann and Finley Aaron Love Lockwood were born on October 7, 2008, to Lisa Marie and her then-husband Michael Lockwood. As the youngest members of the Presley family, the twins have largely been shielded from the intense glare of the public eye, allowing them to experience a relatively normal childhood. Despite this, they made a rare and memorable public appearance in 2017, joining their mother on the red carpet at the prestigious ELLE Women in Hollywood event, offering a sweet glimpse into their blossoming personalities.
Both Lisa Marie and her mother, Priscilla Presley, occasionally shared heartwarming glimpses into the twins’ upbringing, highlighting their development and personalities. In 2019, Priscilla fondly spoke to Us Weekly about her granddaughters’ astonishing intelligence, particularly their proficiency with technology. “I can’t believe they are so smart [with technology]… They know how to Google already, they know how to draw things and characters… They’re just little girls experiencing life and having fun,” she shared, marveling at their curiosity. That same year, Priscilla revealed on TODAY that Harper and Finley were active children, engaged in ballet and opera classes, demonstrating their diverse interests and talents.
Following Lisa Marie’s untimely death in January 2023, the legal custody of Harper and Finley was officially awarded to their father, Michael Lockwood. In a statement released a week after Lisa Marie’s passing, Michael expressed his profound dedication: “The most important thing to me at this time is to take care of my daughters, making sure they always feel safe and loved. Both of them have incredible spirit and they will carry our family’s legacy on for the rest of their lives. Since they were born, Harper and Finley have brought me profound joy and I remain devoted to them.” His words underscored his commitment to providing a stable and loving environment for his daughters during such a challenging period.
In April 2023, a judge granted Michael full guardianship, a decision that also bestowed upon him the responsibility of representing the twins’ interests in ongoing matters related to their mother’s complex estate and the iconic Graceland property. This legal development ensures that Harper and Finley’s well-being and inheritance are properly managed as they grow, securing their place within the enduring legacy of the Presley family. As they mature, Harper and Finley will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing narrative of one of music’s most iconic lineages.
The lives of Lisa Marie Presley’s children — Riley, Benjamin, Harper, and Finley — are a testament to her profound love as a mother and the enduring spirit of the Presley family. Each child, in their own way, carries a piece of their remarkable heritage while forging distinct paths, ensuring that Lisa Marie’s legacy, both as an artist and a devoted parent, continues to resonate through generations.