Sophia Michaels
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This article includes discussions of addiction and suicide.
Lisa Marie Presley had a sorrowful existence that deeply impacted her family, particularly her twin daughters. Harper and Finley faced numerous challenges from a young age. They experienced their mother’s passing at just 14, which came only two years after the loss of their brother, Benjamin Keough. Grieving the loss of their mother, they also had to leave their home following her death in January 2023, as they felt overwhelmed by their grief.
Following Lisa Marie’s death, the twins stayed with Priscilla Presley for a while until their father, Michael Lockwood, was awarded full custody. This marked a significant change in their lives, having not lived with him since their parents’ acrimonious divorce at the age of seven. The divorce had a traumatic effect on them, especially due to the heated custody dispute. Lisa Marie had accused her ex-partner of possessing inappropriate materials involving minors on his computer, though he faced no charges. Nevertheless, the custody battle continued to strain the family.
During this turbulent time, there were moments of uncertainty for Harper and Finley. Lisa Marie suggested that her daughters might have to enter foster care, a claim that Priscilla contested. Despite the unclear circumstances, the twins spent considerable time living with their grandmother while the battle continued in court. The hardships they’ve endured in their teenage years could fill a lifetime.
Harper and Finley chose not to return home after their mother’s passing
After Lisa Marie suffered a cardiac arrest in her Calabasas home, Harper and Finley Lockwood found it too painful to return to their residence. At that time, the twins were at school, and upon learning of their mother’s death, they opted to stay at their grandmother’s house, where Riley Keough was also present as they coped with the unexpected tragedy. Michael Lockwood was frequently visiting to check on his daughters.
The twins were already familiar with Priscilla’s home from their parents’ challenging divorce, which helped them feel more secure. However, shortly after, they moved in with Michael as he gained full custody. Just weeks after losing their mother, they were seen out with their father in Santa Monica, and their expressions reflected their ongoing pain.
Although they wore makeup, their sad eyes revealed their struggles. Adapting to life with Lockwood was a significant change. Priscilla and Riley wanted the twins to have some time to adjust on their own before stepping in more actively. Sources indicated to Us Weekly that following the death of their mother, Michael took on full-time care of the twins, allowing them the space they needed for adjustment.
Harper and Finley endured a harsh custody battle
At the age of seven, Harper and Finley were thrust into the turmoil of their parents’ divorce. While divorce is tough for children, the battle over custody made it significantly worse. Lisa Marie’s fight for custody of the twins became particularly brutal. Initially seeking full custody in June 2016, she later accused Michael Lockwood of possessing “hundreds of inappropriate photos of children” on his computer, as reported by E! News.
Lisa Marie stated that discovering these materials affected her mental health severely. In court documents, she expressed her shock upon viewing the content on Lockwood’s computer, mentioning that it made her feel physically ill. She refrained from detailing the evidence out of respect for her family’s privacy.
When she filed for divorce, police confiscated over 80 of Lockwood’s devices, but found no evidence of any crimes in California. Investigations by the Tennessee Bureau revealed similar outcomes, concluding no criminal activity had occurred by March 2017. Although their divorce was finalized in 2021, the emotional repercussions of their conflicts lingered on.
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Harper and Finley’s Living Situation During the Divorce
During Lisa Marie Presley’s separation from Michael Lockwood, court documents revealed unsettling claims about their daughters, Harper and Finley. There were rumors that the girls were under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services. However, Priscilla Presley quickly clarified that this was not true, claiming in a February 2017 Facebook post, “the girls have not been in foster care and never will be.”
Priscilla stated that the twins were living with her while their parents were in court, emphasizing, “The girls have been with me and will be until all this is sorted out.” In a March 2017 interview, she disclosed that the twins had been with her for several months since the divorce filing, reflecting, “It’s been a very family-oriented environment for them.” Priscilla reassured that both Lisa Marie and Lockwood remained a part of their daughters’ lives.
She remarked on how this experience taught her to better understand the twins, stating, “I’ve learned to really listen to what they are saying.” The presence of both parents was maintained in the girls’ routine as well.
The Twins’ Mourning Process
Finley and Harper faced immense loss just a couple of years before their mother’s passing. In July 2020, their brother, Benjamin Keough, tragically died by suicide, plunging Lisa Marie and her remaining children into profound grief. A representative described Lisa Marie at the time as heartbroken yet striving to be strong for her twins and older daughter, Riley.
Despite their hardships, the siblings remained close, with Lisa Marie expressing in 2014 how they supported one another. Riley often shared heartfelt moments with her younger sisters, making her tributes to Ben even more poignant. In a letter read at Lisa Marie’s memorial, Riley conveyed her appreciation for their mother’s love and strength.
For anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Harper and Finley’s 16th Birthday and Its Significance
On October 7, 2024, Harper and Finley celebrated their 16th birthday just a day prior to their mother’s memoir release, which reflected on her life’s highs and lows. Notably, Lisa Marie’s struggles with prescription drugs began after the twins’ birth due to complications following her C-section. Despite a doctor prescribing painkillers, the addiction escalated dramatically after her recovery.
Lisa Marie described the severity of her addiction in a foreword to a book, indicating it had reached a critical stage where she was taking up to eighty pills daily. On their birthday, family members highlighted the twins’ significance, with Riley expressing her love publicly on social media.
If you or someone you know is facing addiction, assistance is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
