Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley, died of a small bowel obstruction, the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office ruled. The obstruction was a result of adhesions caused by weight-loss surgery she underwent several years ago. Presley, also a singer, died after being rushed to a California hospital on January 12, 2023. She was 54.
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What is a small bowel obstruction and how did it kill Lisa Marie Presley?
A small bowel obstruction occurs when the small intestine is blocked, sometimes as a result of colon cancer, medication or adhesions (scar tissue) that form after surgeries. Some conditions that inflame intestines can also lead to small bowel obstructions. In Presley’s case, the report found that the adhesions were caused by weight-loss surgery, known as bariatric surgery, that she underwent several years ago. “This is a known long-term complication of this type of surgery,” the medical examiner’s report noted.
According to BBC News, this condition can cause severe pain, vomiting, bloating and constipation. If left untreated, it can lead to infection, tissue death and perforation of the bowel. The cardiac arrest that Presley suffered was caused by a “small bowel obstruction”, the report said.
How did Lisa Marie Presley’s family and fans react to her death?
Lisa Marie Presley’s death shocked and saddened her family and fans around the world. Her mother, Priscilla Presley, said in a statement: “She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss.”
Presley’s former husband Danny Keough, who also lives at the property where she was found unresponsive, performed CPR on her until paramedics arrived, TMZ reported. The couple had two children together, Riley and Benjamin. Benjamin killed himself in 2020 at the age of 27.
Presley also had twin daughters, Harper and Finley, with her fourth husband Michael Lockwood. The girls have lived with Lockwood since their mother’s death. According to MSN, Presley’s eldest daughter Riley Keough moved back to Calabasas to be close to her sisters after their mother’s death.
Presley’s fans paid tribute to her by laying flowers and lighting candles outside Graceland, the mansion owned by her father in Memphis, Tennessee. She had visited Graceland days before her death to celebrate what would have been Elvis’ 88th birthday on January 8.
What was Lisa Marie Presley’s legacy as a singer and songwriter?
Lisa Marie Presley followed in her father’s footsteps as a musician and released three albums over the course of her career. Her 2003 debut studio album To Whom It May Concern sold hundreds of thousands of copies and received generally positive reviews. Her second album Now What (2005) featured collaborations with Pink and Pat Benatar. Her third album Storm & Grace (2012) was produced by T Bone Burnett and showcased her rootsy sound.
Presley also recorded duets with her father using his original vocals, such as “Don’t Cry Daddy” (1997) and “In the Ghetto” (2007). She performed live with him on a giant screen during a concert in Memphis in 1997 to mark the 20th anniversary of his death.
Presley was also well-known for her four high-profile marriages to pop star Michael Jackson (1994-1996), actor Nicolas Cage (2002-2004), musician Keough (1988-1994) and musician Lockwood (2006-2016). She was involved in various charitable causes, such as literacy, homelessness and AIDS prevention.
Lisa Marie Presley was the only child of Elvis Presley, who died in 1977 at the age of 42. She inherited his estate and became the sole owner of Graceland. She later sold 85% of his assets to form Elvis Presley Enterprises, which manages his music and merchandising rights. She remained a co-trustee of the estate until her death.
Lisa Marie Presley was a talented and passionate artist who faced many challenges and tragedies in her life. She will be remembered as Elvis’ daughter who carried on his musical legacy and as a loving mother who adored her children.
