NEW YORK (AP) — Oprah Winfrey has selected Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir, published posthumously, as her latest book club pick. To honor this selection, Winfrey visited the iconic Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, where she met with Presley’s daughter, Riley Keough, who is also the granddaughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley.
Riley Keough recently completed the memoir titled “From Here to the Great Unknown” after the unexpected passing of her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, in 2023. The book was officially published on Tuesday. An interview featuring Winfrey and Keough will be broadcast on CBS at 8 p.m. EDT, showcasing intimate family photos, home videos, and audio recordings made by Lisa Marie herself.
In acknowledging the memoir, Winfrey expressed her deep admiration for Lisa Marie Presley, stating, “I was incredibly moved by Riley’s ability to help her mother complete a touching memoir that offers a glimpse into Lisa Marie’s most honest and vulnerable moments. This is a personal narrative of what it meant to grow up as part of one of America’s most recognizable families.”
Keough shared her emotions upon learning about Winfrey’s selection. She reflected on how her mother would have been proud knowing her story would resonate with readers and listeners, adding, “While she might have felt vulnerable, she would have been profoundly grateful for the opportunity to connect with people.” Keough, along with actress Julia Roberts, narrated the audiobook version of the memoir.
Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of music legend Elvis Presley, experienced a tumultuous childhood and faced immense loss early on; her father passed away unexpectedly in 1977 when she was just nine years old. According to Random House, during the writing of her memoir, she recounted countless memories of her father, including cherished moments they shared and the heart-wrenching sights of his decline. She captured stories reflecting both the unconditional love she experienced and the trauma of losing him.
In her memoir, Lisa Marie also opened up about her high-profile marriage to Michael Jackson, her battles with addiction, and the enduring sorrow of her father’s absence. Ahead of the interview’s airing, Keough disclosed that it was not uncommon for her to find her mother in moments of despair, listening to Elvis’s music and grieving deeply.
Lisa Marie Presley passed away at the age of 54 due to complications from bariatric surgery she underwent years prior. She was the mother of four children, with Riley Keough being the eldest. Her other children were born to actor-musician Danny Keough and guitarist-producer Michael Lockwood.
