Riley Keough: Revealing the Fascinating Connection with Kardashians, Unraveling the Tale of Wild Stepfathers

Riley Keough Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

In her September 2023 Vanity Fair cover story, Riley Keough discussed her unconventional upbringing and reflected on how outsiders might perceive it. She acknowledged that her childhood was "very extreme" but emphasized that it was simply her reality as part of her unique family.

Lisa Marie, who passed away in January, was married to Riley's father from 1988 to 1994. Shortly after her divorce from Danny, now 58, Lisa Marie married Michael Jackson in less than three weeks. While many considered their marriage a publicity stunt, Lisa Marie expressed in a statement that she was genuinely "very much in love" with Jackson.

Although their marriage lasted less than two years, Riley holds cherished memories of Jackson. "I believe he genuinely enjoyed bringing joy to people's lives, in the most remarkable way possible, which I think he shared with my grandfather, Elvis Presley," she shared with Vanity Fair.

Riley pointed out that she spent more time at Jackson's Neverland estate compared to her family's Graceland property. According to her, Neverland felt like a true home, while Graceland was more like a museum during her lifetime. Lisa Marie and Jackson, who passed away in 2009, officially divorced in 1996. After a short engagement with musician John Oszajca, Lisa Marie tied the knot with Nicolas Cage in August 2002. However, their marriage ended in November of the same year.

Nicholas Cage; Michael Jackson David Fisher/HCA/Shutterstock; Karl Schoendorfer/Shutterstock

Riley described Cage, 59, as an excellent actor and expressed her willingness to collaborate with him in a film. She mentioned that she does not maintain contact with her mother's former partner, but would be open to the possibility. When discussing Riley's lineage, Baz Luhrmann, the director of the 2022 film Elvis, likened her family tree to that of American royalty, drawing parallels between the Kennedys and the Presleys.

The Kardashian-Jenners, another renowned family in Hollywood, have been revered as a royal dynasty. Riley, while reminiscing about her days in Calabasas, California, brought to light her unexpected connections with the reality TV stars. "During our time there, it was primarily Melissa Etheridge and us - Calabasas was predominantly a hub for equestrian activities," she revealed. "I proudly consider myself an original Calabasas local."

Riley then urged the outlet to verify her statement as she jokingly mentioned, "I believe my grandma dated [the Kardashians' ] father, right?"

Indeed, Priscilla Presley did have a brief romantic involvement with the late Robert Kardashian in 1975, two years after ending her relationship with Elvis. Robert later married Kris Jenner in 1978 and they had four children together, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian. (The couple divorced in 1991 before Robert passed away in 2003.)

Riley reflects on her unconventional childhood and holds her late mother in high regard. She believes that summarizing her mother's life would take an extensive amount of time, but acknowledges that her mother was truly unique. Despite facing difficult circumstances and enduring betrayal and a lack of genuine love and friends, Riley admires her mother's resilience. She describes her mother as a forceful presence, overflowing with love and loyalty—an exceptional mother. As her daughter, Riley believes her mother was the epitome of strength and love, making her the best mom she could have asked for.