OBITUARY-ZHUBIZ: Benjamin Keough, Elvis Presley’s grandson, at 27
Benjamin Keough, the son of actress Lisa Marie Presley and the look-alike grandson of Elvis Presley, has died at 27.
Lisa Marie Presley’s manager Roger Widynowski confirmed the death in a statement to USA TODAY: “She is completely heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated but trying to stay strong for her 11-year-old twins and her oldest daughter Riley. She adored that boy. He was the love of her life.”
Keough’s father is singer-songwriter Danny Keough and his sister is singer Riley Keough, 31.
The Associated Press, citing TMZ, reports that Keough died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Sunday in Calabasas, California.
Lisa Marie had a special bond with Benjamin, revealing on Twitter in 2012 that on Mother’s Day three years prior the two had bonded over Celtic eternity knot tattoos placed in the same location.
In 2012, Lisa Marie featured Benjamin and his siblings in a music video remaking Elvis’ 1954 hit “I Love You Because.”
Lisa Marie revealed to CMT in October 2012 that backstage at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, people were struck over Benjamin’s resemblance to his famous grandfather Elvis. “He was at the Opry and was the quiet storm behind the stage!” she said. “Everybody turned around and looked when he was over there. Everybody was grabbing him for a photo because it is just uncanny. Sometimes I am overwhelmed when I look at him.”
When asked if Benjamin was going to have a music career, she told The Huffington Post in 2013, “He’s doing his own thing right now. I’m going to let him decide when he wants to go out and do what he wants to do.”
Lisa Marie posted a family picture on Twitter in 2019, with social media responders commenting on his likeness to Elvis Presley. “Mama Lion with cubs,” she wrote.
The death sparked mourning online. Singer Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra, tweeted, “Sweet, sweet princess, what a terrible tragedy. I have known you since before your mama gave birth to you, never dreaming you would have pain like this in your life. I’m so very sorry. I’m here.”
“Everybody please pray for Elvis Presley’s family. They have another terrible tragedy today,” musician Roy Orbison Jr. tweeted Monday.
Musician DJ Ashba wrote on Instagram that the news of his friend’s death “cut him to the bone” and shared a number of pictures with the late Keough.
“Literally in shock. I loved Ben like a brother and always will. Till we meet again my friend,” he wrote.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online.
Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
Video: Senior ‘Elvis’ serenades his care home facility with classic hits
