The life of Riley Keough brother, Benjamin Storm Keough, continues to capture public attention and heartfelt remembrance even years after his passing. As the only son of Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough, and the grandson of Elvis Presley, Benjamin carried both the weight and wonder of a legendary family name. His tragic death in 2020 deeply impacted Riley, shaping her personal and professional journey. In 2025, his legacy still resonates—through Riley’s tributes, the Presley family’s remembrance, and the broader conversation around mental health and loss.
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Who Was Benjamin Keough?
Benjamin Storm Keough was born on October 21, 1992, in Tampa, Florida, to musician Danny Keough and singer-songwriter Lisa Marie Presley. He was the younger brother of actress and model Riley Keough, and the only grandson of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.
From an early age, Benjamin attracted public attention for his uncanny resemblance to Elvis. His blue eyes, facial features, and presence reminded many fans of the legendary musician. Yet, unlike other members of his family, Benjamin largely avoided the spotlight, preferring a private lifestyle.
While Riley pursued acting and modeling, Benjamin stayed away from Hollywood fame. He occasionally appeared at family events but maintained a low-profile personality.
The Tragic Passing of Riley Keough’s Brother
On July 12, 2020, tragedy struck when Benjamin Keough died by suicide at the age of 27 in Calabasas, California. His sudden passing sent shockwaves across the world, with fans mourning the loss of Elvis Presley’s grandson and the Presley family left heartbroken.
His mother, Lisa Marie Presley, described Benjamin as the love of her life, expressing that his death left her shattered beyond repair. For Riley, the loss was equally devastating. She lost not just a brother but also a confidant, a partner in childhood memories, and her closest companion.
Riley Keough’s Grief and Healing Journey
Since her brother’s passing, Riley Keough has spoken openly about her grief. She has described mourning as a lifelong process—something that never fully ends but evolves over time.
She once explained that grief is not linear, but rather a mix of overwhelming emotions that arrive in waves. Sometimes it brings tears, sometimes memories, and sometimes quiet reflection. For Riley, the loss of Benjamin remains a defining part of her story, shaping her outlook on life and her connection to family.
Her honesty about grief has resonated with many who have faced similar losses, making her a source of comfort and relatability for people navigating the complexities of mourning.
Benjamin Keough in Lisa Marie Presley’s Memoir
Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, which Riley helped complete after her mother’s passing in 2023, sheds light on the family’s heartbreak after Benjamin’s death.
- Lisa Marie detailed how Benjamin’s struggles with addiction and mental health deeply affected her.
- She expressed the magnitude of her grief, describing Benjamin as her soulmate in life.
- Riley, stepping in to finish the memoir, added her reflections, ensuring her brother’s story was told with honesty and love.
Through the memoir, readers see Benjamin not as a headline or a tragedy, but as a son, brother, and loved one whose life left a lasting impact.
How Riley Keough Honors Her Brother
Riley has found several meaningful ways to keep Benjamin’s memory alive, both privately and publicly.
A Daughter Named in Tribute
In 2022, Riley welcomed her daughter, whom she named Tupelo Storm. The name “Storm” was chosen to honor her brother Benjamin Storm, ensuring that his legacy carries forward to the next generation.
Carrying Him Into Her Art
Riley has admitted that her grief influences her creative work. Whether in films or series, she often gravitates toward roles that explore themes of resilience, identity, and emotional depth—qualities shaped by her own life experiences.
Speaking About Him With Love
In interviews, Riley openly acknowledges her brother, ensuring that he remains present in conversations about her family and life. She emphasizes the bond they shared, describing him as someone irreplaceable in her world.
The Presley Family’s Collective Grief
The loss of Riley Keough brother was not only personal to her but also deeply felt across the Presley family.
- Lisa Marie Presley: His passing left an irremovable scar on Lisa Marie, who never fully recovered. She described her connection with Benjamin as unparalleled.
- Priscilla Presley: Benjamin’s grandmother, Priscilla, often expressed the family’s grief publicly, highlighting the pain of losing such a bright young soul.
- Riley Keough: As the eldest sibling, Riley has carried the responsibility of honoring both her brother’s memory and her mother’s wishes, keeping the family’s legacy alive.
The family’s openness about grief has helped break the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health and loss, encouraging fans worldwide to seek healing and support.
Benjamin’s Impact on Mental Health Awareness
Benjamin’s story has extended beyond his family to spark broader conversations about mental health. His struggles reflect the challenges many young people face, especially when balancing personal identity with external expectations.
Riley has emphasized the importance of acknowledging grief, seeking support, and creating safe spaces for people to talk about mental health struggles. In remembering Benjamin, she also advocates for awareness and compassion for others facing similar challenges.
Why Benjamin Keough’s Story Still Resonates
The legacy of Riley Keough brother resonates with so many people for several reasons:
- The Pain of Sudden Loss: His passing reminds the world of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones.
- The Weight of Legacy: As Elvis Presley’s grandson, Benjamin faced unique pressures that many could not see.
- A Universal Connection: His story reflects the experiences of countless families who have faced mental health struggles and loss.
In honoring Benjamin, Riley connects her family’s story to a much larger human experience of resilience, remembrance, and healing.
Riley Keough Today: Balancing Legacy and Life
As of 2025, Riley Keough continues to honor her brother while also forging her own path. She balances motherhood, a thriving acting career, and her role as custodian of the Presley family’s legacy.
Her reflections on Benjamin serve not only as a personal tribute but also as a way of connecting with fans and others who have experienced similar loss. Through her words and actions, Riley demonstrates how love and grief can coexist, and how the memory of a loved one can continue to shape the future.
Conclusion: Riley Keough Brother’s Enduring Presence
Though Benjamin Keough is no longer physically here, his memory remains an essential part of Riley Keough’s story. As a beloved brother, a cherished son, and a reminder of the Presley family’s human side, Benjamin’s legacy continues to inspire conversations about love, grief, and healing.
Through tributes like naming her daughter after him, finishing her mother’s memoir, and openly sharing her grief journey, Riley ensures that her brother’s presence is never forgotten. The story of Riley Keough brother is ultimately one of remembrance, resilience, and the enduring power of family bond.