Marilyn Monroe, one of the most iconic stars of the 20th century, passed away on August 4, 1962, under tragic and mysterious circumstances. Her sudden death, ruled as a suspected overdose, left the world in shock. Yet, what followed was equally surprising: her funeral was a subdued affair, attended by only a handful of people. The absence of many prominent figures from her life—particularly Frank Sinatra, John F. Kennedy, and Robert “Bobby” Kennedy—sparked curiosity and speculation that persists to this day.
The man who took charge of Monroe’s funeral arrangements was her former husband, Joe DiMaggio, the legendary New York Yankees baseball star. With no surviving family and a complex personal history, DiMaggio was one of the few people in Monroe’s inner circle at the time of her death. His control over the funeral planning ensured that the service remained private and free from the media frenzy that often surrounded her life. According to PBS, DiMaggio was adamant about keeping the event intimate, reportedly stating to studio executives who pressed for access: “Tell them, if it wasn’t for them, she’d still be here.”
The Complicated Relationship Between Monroe and DiMaggio
Monroe and DiMaggio married in January 1954 after a whirlwind romance, but their relationship ended just nine months later. The breakup was reportedly triggered by DiMaggio’s disapproval of a now-iconic scene in The Seven Year Itch, where Monroe’s dress is blown up by a subway grate. Despite their divorce, the two reconnected as friends after Monroe’s separation from playwright Arthur Miller in 1961. There were even rumors of a rekindled romance, though these were never confirmed.
Jerry Coleman, DiMaggio’s former teammate, once recounted seeing the couple walking together in New York during Monroe’s final years. “Joe’s got his head up in the air and his arm around Marilyn. And they’re just daydreaming along… I thought he was happy as he was, leave him alone,” Coleman allegedly said. This moment painted a picture of a relationship that, while tumultuous, retained a deep emotional connection.
The Kennedy Brothers and Frank Sinatra: Absent Figures
Monroe’s rumored affairs with President John F. Kennedy and his younger brother, Robert “Bobby” Kennedy, remain one of the most intriguing mysteries of her life. While details vary, many sources suggest that Monroe had romantic relationships with both brothers in the early 1960s, with some claiming that her connection with Bobby continued until her death. DiMaggio’s decision to exclude them from the funeral may have stemmed from personal jealousy or a desire to avoid further scandal.
As for Frank Sinatra, his connection to Monroe dated back to 1961. Sinatra and DiMaggio had once been close friends, but their relationship soured after the infamous “Wrong Door Raid”—a botched attempt by DiMaggio and Sinatra to catch Monroe with another man. The incident became a widely publicized embarrassment, and Sinatra’s subsequent fling with Monroe likely added to DiMaggio’s resentment.
A Love That Endured Beyond Death
DiMaggio’s grief at Monroe’s funeral was palpable. According to a New York Times account cited by PBS, he was seen bending down to his ex-wife’s casket, whispering, “I love you. I love you.” For the next 20 years, DiMaggio arranged for weekly flower deliveries to Monroe’s grave. Actor Brad Dexter later reflected on DiMaggio’s actions: “I firmly believe that all the years he made those visitations to her grave site and left flowers… he was still in love with her, but also out of a great sense of guilt. Because I think he helped contribute to her demise.”
Dexter’s words underscore the complexity of DiMaggio’s emotions—love intertwined with regret. Many believe that if DiMaggio had handled their marriage differently, their story might have had a happier ending.
The Legacy of a Star
Marilyn Monroe’s funeral was a quiet, almost secretive event, but her legacy continues to captivate the world. The absence of key figures like the Kennedys and Sinatra only adds to the mystique surrounding her life and death. DiMaggio’s actions, driven by love, guilt, and a desire for privacy, ensured that Monroe’s final moments were as enigmatic as the woman herself.
Explore more about Marilyn Monroe’s life and legacy here.