I wouldn’t call myself an Elvis Presley fan. Sure, I know about the King (the other one), and I enjoy some of his music, but I’ve never dived deeply into his full body of work or personal life. My connection to this story began elsewhere.
When Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley in 1994, like the rest of the world, I was captivated. The images of the “royal couple” and the romantic You Are Not Alone short film were unforgettable. They seemed so happy, and I remember thinking they looked perfect together. When they divorced in 1996, I felt disappointed. No offence to Debbie Rowe, but when Michael remarried shortly after, I struggled to see the same magic.
From that point on, I followed Lisa Marie. Seeing her grief at Michael’s funeral in 2009 broke my heart. When her son, Benjamin Keough, passed away in 2020, I immediately thought, how devastated she must have been. That loss seemed unimaginable. I spoke with some of Michael’s colleagues who had spent time with Michael, Lisa and the children and they all noted how kind he was back when they knew him.
When I heard Lisa Marie was writing her memoir, I felt hopeful. Finally, we would get her story, told in her own words. She always struck me as an honest, straightforward person. Sadly, her sudden passing in January 2023 left me worried her story might never see the light of day. However, her daughter Riley Keough stepped up and finished the memoir, weaving Lisa Marie’s voice with her own memories and insights.
A Memoir in Two Voices
The structure of From Here to the Great Unknown is unusual. It alternates between Lisa Marie’s recorded recollections and Riley’s additions to fill in the gaps. At first, this style takes some getting used to, but it’s transpires in to an effective method of storytelling, offering a layered perspective on a life filled with incredible highs and heartbreaking lows.
The memoir delves into Lisa Marie’s life from her childhood at Graceland, growing up as Elvis Presley’s daughter, to her unvarnished reflections on her struggles and relationships. It’s raw, honest, and self-critical. Through her words, I came to understand her humanity—the joys and traumas that shaped her.
The Michael Jackson Chapter
As to be expected: I read this book largely because of Michael Jackson. The chapter about him, titled Mimi (a nickname coined by Lisa Marie’s son Ben), is deeply moving. It paints a picture of a love built on mutual understanding. For the first time in their chaotic lives, they found normalcy in each other.
Nothing in her account surprised me—except for one moment that made me chuckle. Apparently, Michael gave Lisa Marie an ultimatum early on: him or her then-husband! That’s classic Michael—quietly assertive. You can sense the depth of their bond and how much they cared for each other. However, the main source of tension was Michael’s desire to have children, something Lisa Marie wasn’t ready for at the time.
She also touches on the infamous ‘One Night Only’ show, incident and Michael’s struggles with painkillers. Her candidness about her regrets—especially about not helping him more—is poignant.
For Michael Jackson fans, this chapter is a gem. It provides a rare glimpse into the “lover Michael,” an intimate side of him not often seen. But I strongly recommend reading the entire book first. Understanding Lisa Marie’s thoughts and life gives much-needed context to her relationship with Michael.
A Life of Stardust and Struggles
As the book progresses, Riley’s voice becomes more prominent, particularly after the tragic death of her brother Ben. The memoir ends with Riley’s reflections following her mother’s passing in January 2023. This transition from Lisa Marie’s voice to Riley’s adds an emotional weight, reminding readers of the ongoing impact of loss.
Throughout the book, I felt a whirlwind of emotions. I went from sympathy for Lisa Marie as a little girl to frustration with her rebellious teenage years. But eventually, I stopped judging and simply listened. Hers was an extraordinary life shaped by fame, love, addiction, and heartbreaks.
Lisa Marie’s story is one of resilience. Despite being Elvis Presley’s daughter, marrying Michael Jackson, battling addiction, and facing unimaginable losses, she was fiercely honest, a devoted mother, and always searching for love and happiness.
Final Thoughts
For fans of Michael Jackson, this memoir is essential reading—not just for the Mimi chapter but for the full story. It gives insight into Lisa Marie’s world, which in turn deepens our understanding of her relationship with Michael.
Lastly, I want to thank Riley Keough for finishing her mother’s memoir. Reliving personal grief while compiling this story couldn’t have been easy. This book opened my eyes not only to the realities of fame but also to the universal nature of loss. It’s a reminder to cherish the people we love while they’re still with us.
You can order your copy of the “From Here To The Great Unknown” on Amazon or via the official website
Sebastian for MJVibe
