Riley Keough, the actress and granddaughter of the legendary Elvis Presley, recently made waves with a candid interview on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, where she opened up about a variety of personal topics, from her mother’s complex relationship with Michael Jackson to how she’s navigated the overwhelming grief of losing loved ones. Keough, known for her roles in films like Mad Max: Fury Road and The Girlfriend Experience, didn’t hold back in sharing intimate details about her life, offering fans a rare glimpse into her world.
Her Mom’s Love for Michael Jackson
One of the biggest revelations from Keough’s podcast appearance was her discussion about her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, and her deep admiration for pop icon Michael Jackson. Keough revealed that growing up, she was well aware of the special bond her mother shared with Jackson. Lisa Marie Presley, who was married to the King of Pop from 1994 to 1996, had often spoken about her relationship with Michael Jackson in interviews, but Keough offered a new perspective on the couple’s connection.
“My mom loved Michael in a way that was really pure. It was a love that she didn’t share with anyone else,” Keough explained. “She felt deeply for him and had a connection with him that she never truly had with anyone else in her life. It was a beautiful, unique love, and I understand why she held onto it for so long.”
Keough went on to describe the effect Jackson had on her mother, noting that Lisa Marie Presley always viewed their time together as something very special. Despite the breakup of their marriage, it was clear that the bond between them remained significant in Lisa Marie’s life.
“I think it’s hard for people to understand the level of connection she had with him. It wasn’t just about being married to a famous pop star; it was deeper than that,” Keough continued. “She really loved him.”
Handling Grief and Loss
The conversation then shifted to one of the most difficult aspects of Keough’s life: the profound grief she has experienced after losing her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, and her brother, Benjamin Keough. Lisa Marie Presley tragically passed away in January 2023 at the age of 54, while her brother, Benjamin, died by suicide in 2020.
Keough opened up about the emotional toll of losing her mother and brother and how she has worked through the grief in the public eye. “There’s no ‘right’ way to grieve. You have to take it day by day. There are times when I don’t know if I can do it anymore, and times when I feel like I can breathe again,” Keough admitted. “But it’s a constant journey, and I’m learning to find peace in the chaos.”
“It’s something that stays with you, but you learn to live with it,” she said. “And you learn to carry the love they gave you, even after they’re gone.”
The Role of Family in Her Healing Process
Throughout the conversation, Keough touched on the importance of her family, particularly her husband, Ben Smith-Petersen, and her daughter, in helping her cope with the overwhelming grief. “Having my family around me has been a huge source of strength,” she shared. “They’ve been there to support me in ways I can’t even explain.”
Keough also discussed the bond she shares with her daughter, which has given her a renewed sense of purpose and hope. “Being a mom has changed my perspective on everything,” she said. “My daughter is a light in all of this darkness. She reminds me every day that there is beauty in the world, and that there is joy even when it feels like it’s hard to find.”
Her daughter, who she had with her husband, has been a vital part of her healing journey, and Keough admitted that becoming a mother herself has helped her process her own pain and grief. “When you become a parent, it shifts everything. It’s like your heart grows in ways you didn’t know were possible.”
Reflecting on Legacy and the Future
As a member of one of the most famous families in the world, Riley Keough is often asked about her legacy and what she wants to leave behind. In the podcast, she reflected on her mother’s legacy and her own path in life.
“I’m proud of my family and the work my mom did. She was incredibly talented and had a huge impact on the music world. But I also want to be known for who I am as a person,” Keough said. “I want to leave behind a legacy of love, of compassion, and of being true to who you are.”
Keough is now focusing on her acting career and the upcoming projects she has in the works, including her role in the upcoming Daisy Jones & The Six series. She spoke about the importance of following her passion and doing what makes her happy, rather than trying to meet others’ expectations.
“I want to do work that feels authentic to me,” Keough explained. “It’s about following your gut and staying true to your own path.”
Conclusion: A Glimpse Into Riley Keough’s Soul
Riley Keough’s appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast was a raw and emotional one, as she opened up about the grief of losing her mother and brother, the special relationship her mom had with Michael Jackson, and the importance of family and healing. Keough’s honesty and vulnerability were on full display, offering a powerful look into her personal life and the strength she’s found in the face of tragedy.
As she continues to navigate life without her mother and brother, Riley Keough remains focused on creating her own path in the world, embracing the love and support around her, and staying true to her heart. Her message of resilience and love will undoubtedly resonate with many, especially those who have faced loss and are learning to heal in their own way.
This candid conversation was a reminder of the importance of family, the complexities of grief, and the need to live authentically, no matter what life throws at you.