Lisa Marie Presley was ‘at peace’ when she visited Graceland days before her death, says friend David Kessler

I was lucky to have Lisa Marie as a friend.  Her bold and genuine personality made her a loyal daughter and devoted mother.  The loss of her son inspired her to work to become an advocate for those struggling with the heartache of grief.  I met Lisa Marie after her son Ben died.  She wanted to talk to me, not because I was a grief expert, but because I was someone who also had a deceased child.  It turned into an unlikely friendship, but that's how grieving works.  Last weekend, she asked me to come with her to <a class=Memphis for her father’s 88th birthday. She had countless invitations for the weekend, but for her there were only three important ones: to be at her father’s birthday party, to spend time at her son’s and father’s grave. after leaving Graceland and meet a recently bereaved mother. I watched as Lisa Marie tenderly spoke to this heartbroken mother about what to expect in bereavement. That’s what interested him the most these days, helping others in their bereavement. She had her challenges but always rose to them. She was part of my grief education program and many who met her and spoke with her had no idea who she was. To them she was a mother, whose son was dead and wanted to turn his pain into purpose. She has co-led bereavement groups with me for the past two years at her home for other bereaved parents. We had planned to do a grief podcast together. His family, his love for music, maintaining his father’s legacy and helping others became his priorities. Last weekend was so much fun and she was upbeat. Graceland was her happy place and the employees who all knew her shared that she looked so much better. She looked more at peace and was so proud of the Elvis movie. Saturday evening we sat at the graves of his father and son. We talked about the grief she grew up with and the more recent devastation of her son’s death. She showed me where she would be buried one day. I said in a long time…and she said yes, I have so many things to do. Rest in peace with your father and your son, Lisa Marie. photo taken of us last weekend at Graceland #lisamariepresley #lmp #elvismovie Edited 9am” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KvQLmCNl39I7VctBjkYbCw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/people_218/d20b1da385152a8ada9fbbf2f5488157″/>

I was lucky to have Lisa Marie as a friend. Her bold and genuine personality made her a loyal daughter and devoted mother. The loss of her son inspired her to work to become an advocate for those struggling with the heartache of grief. I met Lisa Marie after her son Ben died. She wanted to talk to me, not because I was a grief expert, but because I was someone who also had a deceased child. It turned into an unlikely friendship, but that’s how grieving works. Last weekend, she asked me to come with her to Memphis for her father’s 88th birthday. She had countless invitations for the weekend, but for her there were only three important ones: to be at her father’s birthday party, to spend time at her son’s and father’s grave. after leaving Graceland and meet a recently bereaved mother. I watched as Lisa Marie tenderly spoke to this heartbroken mother about what to expect in bereavement. That’s what interested him the most these days, helping others in their bereavement. She had her challenges but always rose to them. She was part of my grief education program and many who met her and spoke with her had no idea who she was. To them she was a mother, whose son was dead and wanted to turn his pain into purpose. She has co-led bereavement groups with me for the past two years at her home for other bereaved parents. We had planned to do a grief podcast together. His family, his love for music, maintaining his father’s legacy and helping others became his priorities. Last weekend was so much fun and she was upbeat. Graceland was her happy place and the employees who all knew her shared that she looked so much better. She looked more at peace and was so proud of the Elvis movie. Saturday evening we sat at the graves of his father and son. We talked about the grief she grew up with and the more recent devastation of her son’s death. She showed me where she would be buried one day. I said in a long time…and she said yes, I have so many things to do. Rest in peace with your father and your son, Lisa Marie. photo taken of us last weekend at Graceland #lisamariepresley #lmp #elvismovie Edited 9am

David Kesler/Instagram

A bereavement counselor Lisa Marie Presley wanted after the death of her son speaks about the late star’s desire to become an advocate for those who are also grieving.

David Kessler, grief and loss specialist and founder of grief.comalso experienced the sudden death of a grown son and their shared tragedies became a shared bond – and ultimately, an inspiring catalyst for Lisa Marie to strive to help others as well.

Calling her a “loyal daughter and devoted mother,” Kessler revealed in her tribute to the late star of instagram Friday, that “the loss of her son inspired her to work to become an advocate for those struggling with the grief of grief.”

He added: “She had her challenges, but she always rose to them. She was part of my grief education program and many who met her and spoke with her had no idea who she was. was. For them, it was a mother, whose son was dead and wanted to turn his pain into purpose.”

RELATED GALLERY: The life of Lisa Marie Presley in photos

“His family, love of music, maintaining his father’s legacy and helping others became his top priorities,” Kessler noted, saying the two even considered starting a podcast together.

Kessler, additionally, shared details of the 54-year-old’s final days, including her recent trip to Memphis, Tennessee, to celebrate what would be her late father’s 88th birthday at Graceland with fans.

RELATED: Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis and Priscilla, dead at 54: “The strongest and most loving woman”

“Last weekend was so much fun and she was upbeat,” he said, explaining that he accompanied her to the celebration.

“Graceland was her happy place and the employees who all knew her shared that she looked so much better. She looked more at peace and was so proud of the Elvis film.”

RELATED VIDEO: Lisa Marie Presley says she was ‘destroyed’ by the death of her son Benjamin but still ‘goes after my girls’

“Saturday evening we sat at the graves of her father and son. We talked about the grief she grew up with and the more recent devastation of her son’s death.

“She showed me where she would be buried one day. I said in a long time…and she said yes, I have so much to do.”

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On Thursday, Lisa Marie was rushed to hospital and died later that night. His mother Priscilla Presley said in a statement to PEOPLE, “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us.”

Priscilla continued, “She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for confidentiality as we try to come to terms with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time, there will be no further comment.”

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