Riley Keough becomes ‘death doula’ eight months after her brother Benjamin died

Riley Keough has completed her training to become a ‘death doula’, eight months after the suicide of her brother Benjamin.

A death doula, or a death midwife, is someone who specializes in end-of-life care and the American Honey star was keen to share her progress with fans.

Riley, who is the daughter of Lisa Marie Presley and the granddaughter of Elvis Presley, explained on Instagram that the new role has helped her become more prepared for the inevitable.

She wrote: ‘Today I finished my Death Doula training, on The Art of Death Midwifery training course by @sacred_crossings so I guess I’m an almost certified death doula now hehe💫💫✨✨✨✨

‘And I just felt like writing such a deep thank you to this community who are teaching and training people in conscious dying and death work. We are taught that its a morbid subject to talk about. Or were so afraid of it that we’re unable to talk about it… then of course it happens to us, and we are very ill prepared.’

The 31-year-old continued: ‘I think it’s so important to be educated on conscious dying and death the way we educate ourselves on birth and conscious birthing. We prepare ourselves so rigorously for the entrance and have no preparation for our exit.

‘So I’m so grateful for this community and to be able to contribute what I can. Thank you Olivia @sacred_crossings 💫💫💫💫✨ ❤️ 🙏🌓’.

The Zola star also shared a quote by Rumi that read: ‘Be a lamp or a lifeboat or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.’

Benjamin died by suicide at his Calabasas, California home on July 12 at the age of 27. 

Benjamin’s death was confirmed by Lisa-Marie’s manager, who said the singer was ‘completely heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated’. 

After his death, Riley shared a photo of a new tattoo on her right collarbone which says ‘Benjamin Storm’, her younger brother’s first and middle names. 

The choice of tattoo seemed to have even deeper meaning as Riley shared a photo of Benjamin’s collarbone where he had her first name tattooed. 

Benjamin was Lisa-Marie’s only son from her marriage to musician Danny Keough.

Lisa-Marie split from Danny in 1994 and went on to marry Michael Lockwood, who she shares twins Finley and Harper, 11, with.

It’s said the star’s 2002 song, titled Storm and Grace, was inspired by her close relationship with only son Benjamin, with the lyrics describing him as a ‘beautiful man with a beautiful heart’.

She had often said that Benjamin reminded her of her dad Elvis, especially facially, as they looked so similar.

Got A Showbiz Story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough pay tribute to ‘sweet’ Benjamin on his birthday after his death

MORE : Riley Keough unveils tattoo in tribute to brother Benjamin following his tragic death