Lisa Marie Presley's Tragic Battle with COVID-19 and Declining Health

Lisa Marie Presley's Tragic Final Days

Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of legendary musician Elvis Presley, passed away on January 12th, 2023 at the age of 54. In the final months leading up to her shocking death, Lisa Marie faced significant health issues, including a dangerous battle with COVID-19.

Contracting COVID-19

In mid-2022, Lisa Marie revealed that she had contracted COVID-19, the highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. "I was dying and literally dropped to my knees," she told fans of her harrowing ordeal with what many simply call "coronavirus."

According to Lisa Marie, she lost between 10-15 pounds in just two weeks. She described brutal body aches, high fever, and an inability to get out of bed for days on end. "It was absolutely horrible," Lisa Marie recounted. "I've never been that sick in my life."

Long COVID Symptoms

Like many COVID survivors, Lisa Marie continued battling health issues even after testing negative for the active virus. She joined the ranks of those who suffer from post-COVID conditions, commonly referred to as "long COVID."

People with long COVID deal with symptoms that linger for months or even years after the initial infection passes, like brain fog, chronic fatigue, muscle pain, and damage to the heart, lungs and other organs. Lisa Marie posted on social media about her ongoing bouts with extreme fatigue and weakness post-COVID.

More Trauma

Sadly, Lisa Marie endured even more physical trauma in early January 2023 when she suffered cardiac arrest at her home in Calabasas, California. Her ex-husband Danny Keough performed CPR until paramedics arrived and rushed her to the hospital.

After days on life support, Lisa Marie died on January 12th at just 54 years old. Her mother Priscilla Presley released a statement saying "It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us."

What Led to Lisa Marie's Declining Health?

What factors caused Lisa Marie Presley's health to deteriorate so rapidly in her final months? Medical experts point to several potential reasons.

Severe COVID Infection

Without a doubt, Lisa Marie's battle with COVID-19 put substantial strain on her body. Studies show coronavirus infections can damage lung tissue, the heart, kidneys, liver, brain, and circulatory system. This trauma likely impacted her health long-term.

Additionally, the extreme fatigue and impairment of long COVID may have taken a toll on Lisa Marie's overall wellness and quality of life in 2022. She openly discussed how much the lingering effects impacted her daily routine and functioning.

Prior Medical Conditions

Lisa Marie was also more vulnerable to adverse outcomes from COVID due to being overweight and having a history of unhealthy habits like smoking. She was possibly prediabetic as well.

Doctors warn that people with obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smokers are far more likely to experience severe COVID infections, complications, hospitalization, and death. Lisa Marie fell into more than one of these higher-risk categories.

Extreme Stress & Grief

Furthermore, the past few years heaped exceptional grief and stress onto Lisa Marie's plate. In 2020, her 27-year-old son Benjamin Keough died by suicide. In a 2021 op-ed, she opened up about the unrelenting trauma of losing her only son.

Just over one week before her own death, Lisa Marie attended the Graceland memorial service for her mother Priscilla Presley's late husband Elvis tribute artist Shawn Klush. Experts say cumulative stress takes a real toll on overall health.

How Could Her Death Have Been Prevented?

No one can definitively say whether Lisa Marie Presley's shocking early death could have been prevented. But medical professionals argue better education and personal health habits may have given her a fighting chance.

Taking COVID Precautions

Like many people, Lisa Marie contracted COVID-19 during the first Omicron wave whentransmission rates were extremely high. Had she isolated earlier and avoided potential exposure risks, she may have avoided infection.

Public health messaging also urges higher-risk individuals to take advantage of tools like COVID antiviral medications and precautionary antibody treatments after viral exposures. It's unknown if Lisa Marie had access to these options.

Proactively Managing Health Issues

Experts also stress the importance of properly managing pre-existing conditions like obesity before crises hit. Addressing diet, exercise, smoking habits (or lack thereof), and even emotional health is believed to optimize outcomes.

Lisa Marie could have possibly mitigated COVID risks and long-term impairment from the virus had she gotten ongoing care for concerning health factors she faced.

Seeking Post-COVID Rehabilitation

These days, health systems are actively building post-COVID rehab programs to help patients physically and mentally recover from lingering impairment after infection.

It's unclear if Lisa Marie engaged in rehab after COVID to manage fatigue, shortness of breath, neurological issues, and additional struggles she mentioned when describing her long COVID battle.

Participating in comprehensive care after illness is considered vital for regaining strength and preventing decline for COVID long-haulers and critically ill patients alike.

A Tragic Reminder

While we may never know if Lisa Marie Presley's death could have been avoided, her painful final chapter stands as a tragic reminder of why taking precautions against COVID-19 remains critical two years later.

For people facing elevated risks due to age, obesity or

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.