Julia Roberts is set to lend her voice to a poignant new project, narrating the audiobook of Lisa Marie Presley’s posthumous memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, which will be released on October 8. The audiobook will also feature contributions from Lisa Marie’s daughter, Riley Keough, who played a crucial role in completing the memoir after her mother’s passing in 2023.
Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of music legend Elvis Presley, tragically died at the age of 54 due to complications from a small-bowel obstruction following bariatric surgery. Before her death, she had asked Riley to help finalize her memoir, which reflects on her life as the daughter of a global icon, her romantic endeavors, motherhood, and the experience of becoming a grandmother. Riley used taped voice recordings left by her mother to help bring the memoir to fruition.
Riley shared her intentions for the memoir with PEOPLE, stating, “Because my mother was Elvis Presley’s daughter, she was constantly talked about, argued over, and dissected. What she wanted to do in her memoir, and what I hope I’ve done in finishing it for her, is to go beneath the magazine headline idea of her and reveal the core of who she was.” She emphasized the desire to portray Lisa Marie as a multifaceted individual, encompassing her roles as a devoted mother, a vibrant personality, an underestimated artist, and a person shaped by both joy and trauma.
The memoir delves into the more challenging chapters of Lisa Marie’s life, including her profound grief following her father’s death, her struggles with addiction, and the heartbreaking loss of her son, Benjamin, who died by suicide in 2020.
In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Roberts expressed her admiration for the memoir, stating, “I was so moved by Lisa Marie’s incredible memoir. It was a real privilege to give voice to her wild and beautiful life, and I deeply appreciate Riley entrusting me with her mother’s story.”
The audiobook will not only feature Riley narrating her own sections but will also include previously unheard excerpts from Lisa Marie’s personal recordings. Riley expressed her excitement about having Roberts involved in the project, remarking, “I’m so thrilled to have Julia be a part of this and read the voice of my mother. I couldn’t think of anyone more perfect to help share her story with the world.”
From Here to the Great Unknown is now available for preorder at all major retailers and will be published on October 8.
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