Lisa Marie Presley Died From Small Bowel Obstruction Complications, Coroner Says

LOS ANGELES — Lisa Marie Presley died from complications of a small bowel obstruction, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office.

The report, released on July 13, 2023, stated that the singer's death on January 12, 2023, was caused by "sequelae of a small bowel obstruction." She was 54.

Presley suffered cardiac arrest at her home in Calabasas and was hospitalized. She died hours later.

Priscilla Presley said in a statement: "It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us. She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known."

Medical Details

The coroner's report indicated the small bowel obstruction led to a sequence of events that resulted in her death. Presley had been experiencing symptoms prior to the cardiac arrest.

Days before her death, she attended the Golden Globes ceremony with her mother Priscilla Presley, where Austin Butler received the award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the 2022 film "Elvis."

Career and Family Legacy

Lisa Marie Presley was the only child of Elvis Presley. She released her debut album "To Whom It May Concern" in 2003. In a 2003 Rolling Stone interview, she recalled her father's reaction to her singing: "I'm sure he got a kick out of it. He'd put me up on the coffee table in front of everybody and make me sing."

In 2018, she recorded a duet with her father on the title track of his posthumous gospel album "Where No One Stands Alone." She said in the album notes: "It was a very powerful and moving experience to sing with my father. The lyrics speak to me and touch my soul. I'm certain that the lyrics spoke to my father in much the same way."

Post-Death Developments

Weeks after her death, a dispute arose over an amendment to her living trust. Priscilla Presley claimed a document dated March 11, 2016, that sought to remove her and former business manager Barry Siegel as co-trustees was "invalid." The document reportedly named Lisa Marie's daughter Riley Keough and her late son Benjamin as co-trustees.

Broader Impact

Lisa Marie Presley's death drew widespread tributes from the music industry and fans. She had spoken publicly about the challenges of growing up as Elvis Presley's daughter and navigating her own path in music and life.

The coroner's report provided official clarity on the medical cause of death after initial reports focused on her cardiac arrest. Small bowel obstruction is a condition that can lead to serious complications, including tissue death and infection if untreated.