The tragic life of Lisa Marie Presley: How Elvis’ only daughter suffered the early death of a parent, failed marriages and the grief of losing a son
As the only child of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, Lisa Marie Presley’s life was one of music royalty.
With the prestigious Presley name and as the sole heir to Elvis’ Graceland estate, rock music’s first princess was born into fame and fortune.
Presley, who died aged 54 on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at her home in Calabasas, California, would find renown of her own, launching a music career that would see her score two US top 10 albums.
But her life would be one beset by tragedy, including the death of her legendary musician father when she was just nine years old and the loss of her son.
She would also have four high-profile separations, including from the singer Michael Jackson, and a fateful 107-day marriage to the actor Nicholas Cage.
Tragedy at the age of nine
Born in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, at the tail-end of “Elvis-mania”, news of Lisa Marie’s birth was celebrated like that of traditional royalty.
Elvis poses with wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie in 1968
But her family life would soon be torn apart by infidelity.
After claims of affairs on both sides, Priscilla’s affair with her karate teacher proved the final straw in the couple’s already tumultuous marriage.
The pair eventually separated later that year, in 1972.
Lisa Marie, then aged four, would spend her childhood between her mother’s Californian home and her father’s estate of Graceland in Memphis.
Her mother would later enter a relationship with actor Michael Edwards, who Lisa Marie would accuse in a 2003 interview of “coming into my room and being inappropriate while drunk” when she was a teenager.
Tragedy struck again when Lisa Marie was just nine years old, when her father died at the age of just 42 after suffering a heart attack.
During her school years, she began to experiment with drugs, leading her mother to send her to a series of private schools and at one point a boarding school.
Lisa Marie Presley poses for her first picture, safe in the lap of her mother, Priscilla, on February 5, 1968, alongside beaming father, Elvis Presley
Speaking about her school years in a 2003 interview with the LA Times, she said: “(I) was kind of a loner, a melancholy and strange child.
“I had a real self-destructive mode for a while.
“I never really fit into school. I didn’t really have any direction.”
Failed first marriage and ill-fated second with Michael Jackson
After dropping out of high school in her Junior year, Lisa Marie was sent to the Scientology Celebrity Center for drug rehabilitation, where she would meet her first husband, musician Danny Keough.
The pair married in 1988 and had two children; Riley, who is now an actress and model, and Benjamin.
Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough
Just three weeks after her divorce from Keough was finalised in 1994, Lisa Marie got married to the singer Michael Jackson, following his proposal over the phone.
The pair soon went to the Dominican Republic, where Lisa Marie filed a quick divorce to Keough, then wed Jackson in private.
She later publicly announced the wedding, by saying: “My married name is Mrs Lisa Marie Presley-Jackson. My marriage to Michael Jackson took place in a private ceremony outside the United States weeks ago.”
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But their marriage was rocked by the emerging allegations of child abuse against Jackson.
The singer reportedly became dependent on Lisa Marie for emotional support, while she became concerned about his use of sedative drugs.
Lisa Marie later said in an interview with Rolling Stone that she had hoped to “save” the troubled singer.
Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley
The marriage was dogged by theories the pair had an asexual relationship, leading to Lisa Marie appearing in a suggestive video for his 1995 hit You Are Not Alone.
But a year later, in 1996, the pair divorced.
A 107-day marriage to Nicholas Cage
The couple attempted to reconcile over the next four years. However, in 2000, Lisa Marie would enter a new relationship with singer John Oszajca.
But she dramatically broke off their engagement after meeting actor Nicholas Cage at a party.
The pair married in August 2002. But just 107 days later, their marriage ended in divorce.
Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley
Speaking to Larry King about the marriage in 2003, she said: “It looked attractive, like I could be equal. Similar situations, similar backgrounds.
“So we connected, we had a great connection.
“It was kind of one of those things where you marry someone hoping… to either stabilise [my life] or it’s going to, you know, accentuate all that was going on prior to what was problematic.
“So it kind of did the latter, that’s all.”
Bitter divorce battle
Four years later, Lisa Marie married again, this time to guitarist and music producer Michael Lockwood, with her former husband Keough serving as best man at the couple’s ceremony.
The pair had twins, Finley and Harper, in 2008.
Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Lockwood
But their 10-year marriage ended in an acrimonious divorce in 2016, during which Lockwood attempted to lay claim to some of Lisa Marie’s substantial estate, despite a prenuptial agreement.
After a bitter battle, Lisa Marie’s inheritance was protected and their divorce was finalised in 2021.
Following in her father’s footsteps
There were happier times for Lisa Marie, however.
She followed in her father’s footsteps by pursuing a music career, starting in 2003 with her debut album: To Whom It May Concern.
It charted in the top 10 on the US Billboard album chart, as did follow-up record Now What in 2005.
Lisa Marie Presley performs during her Storm and Grace tour
Fans had to wait seven years for her third album, Storm And Grace, which was released to positive reviews.
The name of the album is believed to have been inspired partly by her son Benjamin, whose middle name is Storm.
In 2018, Presley featured on a new record, titled Where No One Stands Alone, which was released to celebrate her father’s love of gospel music, and featured 14 original performances recorded by him.
The title track was a reimagined duet, in which Lisa Marie’s vocals featured alongside those of her father.
The death of her son
However, her life continued to be plagued by tragic twists.
Lisa Marie described being “shattered” by the news of Jackson’s death, at the age of 50, in 2009.
And in 2020 her son, Benjamin, took his own life at the age of 27.
Lisa Marie Presley (C), with her children Riley and Benjamin Keough (R)
Last year, she wrote an essay for People magazine about his death.
“I’ve dealt with death, grief and loss since the age of nine years old,” she said.
“I’ve had more than anyone’s fair share of it in my lifetime and somehow, I’ve made it this far.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Alternatively, letters can be mailed to: Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS.
Entertainment
Quincy Jones: Oprah Winfrey, Elton John and Barack Obama among famous figures paying tribute to music legend
Oprah Winfrey, Sir Elton John and Barack Obama among the famous figures who have paid tribute to Quincy Jones following his death at the age of 91.
Following the announcement of his death on Monday, a string of friends, collaborators and admirers have been speaking out to praise the music producer and composer.
TV host Oprah Winfrey said her life “changed forever for the better” after meeting Jones as he helped secure her role in the 1985 film adaptation of The Colour Purple, which earned her an Oscar nomination.
Jones, the jazz musician known for collaborating with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson, wrote the film score and also co-produced the film.
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Quincy Jones dies aged 91
Winfrey wrote on Instagram: “My beloved Q. The world’s beloved Q. The one and only Quincy Jones ‘discovered’ me for The Color Purple movie in 1985. My life changed forever for the better after meeting him.
“I had never experienced, nor have since, anyone who’s heart was so filled with love.
“He walked around with his heart wide open, and he treated everybody as if they were the most important person he’d ever met. He was the Light. No shadows.
“He was love lived out loud in human form and he was the first person I ever loved unconditionally.”
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10 things about Quincy Jones
Whoopi Goldberg, who was also in The Colour Purple, also wrote on Instagram: “I was lucky enough to have him in my life for all these years.
“My heart is breaking for his friends and his extended family who loved and adored him… my condolences.”
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Former US president Barack Obama, who honoured Jones with the US National Medal of Arts in 2010, said: “For decades, Quincy Jones was music.
“From producing Thriller, to composing the score for The Color Purple, to working with Frank Sinatra to Ray Charles, it seemed like every big record – and every big film – had Quincy’s name on it.
“His music appealed to listeners of every race and every age. And by building a career that took him from the streets of Chicago to the heights of Hollywood, Quincy paved the way for generations of Black executives to leave their mark on the entertainment business.”
Barack Obama honoured Quincy Jones with the US National Medal of Arts in 2010. Pic: Reuters
He added: “Michelle and I send our thoughts to Quincy’s friends, family, and everyone who has lived their lives to his songs.”
Sir Elton John remembered Jones as someone who had a more “incredible” career in music than anyone else.
He shared a photo with him at the Elton John Aids Foundation Oscar viewing party, and called him a “loyal supporter of this important fundraiser”.
The singer added: “Nobody had a career as incredible as Quincy Jones. He played with the best and he produced the best. What a guy. Loved him.”
Rapper Ice T hailed Jones as a “genius”, while US Grammy-winner Lenny Kravitz said he was “speechless”, but added: “What a life. What an expression of authenticity. What a teacher. I am humbled that I was given the gift of your openness and friendship”.
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Singers react to death of ‘hero’ Quincy Jones
Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland thanked Jones for being “such a wonderful teacher” and creating the soundtrack to “some of the most extraordinary moments” in her life.
Jones also helped to launch and was an executive producer on the popular US sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, starring Will Smith.
Jones with his daughter, actress Rashida Jones, and Will Smith in 2007. Pic: Reuters
Smith said: “Quincy Jones is the true definition of a mentor, a father and a friend. He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself. He defended me. He nurtured me.
“He encouraged me. He inspired me. He checked me when he needed to. He let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly.”
Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers, who was friends with Jones, shared a video that said “Rest In Power Quincy Jones. The Greatest of All Time”.
Peter Hook, the bassist and co-founder of Joy Division and New Order, wrote on social media: “It’s so sad to hear about Quincy Jones. When he signed us to his label, he made us feel so welcome – inviting us to dinner at his home every time we were in town.
“He made us big in America. He was so humble & sweet that you immediately fell in love with him.”
Hook added: “And to this day I still got a lovely message from him every year on Christmas and birthday cards! A musical genius and a great, lovely man.”
Amy Dowden will not take part in the rest of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The professional dancer made a return to the celebrity contest this series after undergoing treatment for breast cancer and had been partnered with JLS star JB Gill.
However, the 34-year-old has now had to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury.
In a statement on Instagram, she said: “I’m so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short.
“My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury.”
Dowden added: “I know only too well ‘this too shall pass’ and I’ll be soon better and back dancing. Something I’ve had to get used to in my life. I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB.
“To all the fans, to my loved ones, my strictly family thank you.”
JB Gill and Amy Dowden. Pic: BBC/Ray Burmiston
A spokeswoman for Strictly added: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year.
“Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow professional dancer Lauren Oakley will step in as JB’s dance partner.
“The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.”
The news was first announced on Monday evening during the show’s spin-off programme Strictly: It Takes Two.
Lauren Oakley partnered with Krishnan Guru-Murthy last year.
Pic: PA
Dowden was taken ill during the live show the previous weekend and missed the Sunday results programme.
She was taken to hospital from the BBC show’s production centre, Elstree Studios, as a “precaution” after “feeling unwell”, a spokesman for Dowden said at the time.
Last year, Dowden found a lump in her breast while on her honeymoon in the Maldives with fellow professional dancer Ben Jones, and was unable to compete on Strictly.
After treatment for stage three breast cancer, she announced in February that tests showed she had “no evidence of disease“.
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Dowden was made an MBE in this year’s New Year’s honours list for services to fundraising and raising awareness of Crohn’s. She was diagnosed with the disease as a teenager and is a UK ambassador for the charity Crohn’s and Colitis.
She was also admitted to hospital in Manchester following a Crohn’s flare-up during the 2022 Strictly live tour.
Dowden also said in her statement that in the past few months she had “finally felt like me again”.
She added: “Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again.
“My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the strictly dance floor. It’s been such a challenge to get back.”
Dowden also praised JB Gill for being the “perfect partner” on the dancefloor.
“I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor. I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader,” she added.
Quincy Jones, the music producer and composer, has died at the age of 91.
Jones worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and many other artists.
Among his best-known credits was as the producer of Jackson’s historic Thriller album.
Jones oversaw the all-star recording of the 1985 charity record We Are The World.
He also composed the soundtrack to the hit 1969 British film The Italian Job, starring Michael Caine.
Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones. Pic: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch /IPX/AP
Naomi Campbell, left, and Claudia Schiffer flank Quincy Jones. Pic: AP
His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed Jones died at his Los Angeles home on Sunday surrounded by his family.
In a statement, his family said: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’s passing.
“And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. Pic: AP
Quincy Jones and Peggy Lipton. Pic: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch /IPX/AP
His family added Jones was “truly one of a kind” who they would “miss dearly”.
“We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created,” they added.
“Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’s heart will beat for eternity.”
His career, which spans more than 75 years, saw him achieve 28 Grammy award wins out of 80 nominations.
He was named one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century by Time magazine.
Lionel Richie, who co-wrote We Are The World and was among the charity single’s featured singers, called Jones “the master orchestrator”.
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Jones, a father of seven, was married three times to Jeri Caldwell, Ulla Andersson and Peggy Lipton.
His children include music producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones, known for Parks And Recreation and the US version of The Office.
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