In an exclusive excerpt from her final interview, late Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe expressed her determination to perform for President John F. Kennedy during a star-studded birthday celebration. Speaking to Richard Meryman, the seasoned editor of Life magazine, Monroe recalled the moment she sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” at Madison Square Garden on 19 May 1962. This recollection, along with striking photographs from her last photo shoot, are part of a new book, *Marilyn: The Lost Photographs, The Last Interview*, set for release on May 12.
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On that iconic night, Monroe donned a nearly diaphanous gown designed by Bob Mackie, a choice that would become emblematic of her bold, sensual persona. In her candid reflections, Monroe revealed the tension she felt before taking the stage. “There was like a hush that came over the place,” she recounted. “I didn’t think anything was going to come out. When I got to the microphone, I just took one breath and suddenly, I thought, here goes!” Her words illuminate not just her talent, but the palpable anxiety that often accompanied her performances.
Following her memorable rendition, Monroe mingled at the reception, where she encountered not only President Kennedy but also his brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. She recounted feeling comforted by Robert’s friendly presence, saying, “I had met the attorney general briefly so it was good to see a smiling, friendly face.” Adding a personal touch to the event, Monroe brought along her former father-in-law, Isidore Miller, who had immigrated to the United States and whom she hoped would cherish the significant occasion. “I thought this would be the biggest thing in his life,” she said, noting her desire for him to share the experience with his grandchildren.
The extensive interviews for Life magazine with Meryman revealed Monroe’s views on fame and her duality as a celebrity. Reflecting on the nature of celebrity, she remarked, “They take pieces out of you,” a poignant comment on the toll fame exacts on individuals. Moreover, Monroe, an acclaimed sex symbol, expressed a preference for this label over others, suggesting, “If I’m going to be a symbol of something, I’d rather have it be sex than some of the other things they’ve got symbols of.” Such statements highlight her complex relationship with her public persona.
Tragically, merely days after the publication of her interview in the August 1962 issue of Life, Monroe was found dead in her home, the victim of an apparent overdose. The official ruling cited acute barbiturate poisoning, and while her death was classified as a possible suicide, it raised numerous questions that continue to puzzle biographers and fans alike.
As the centenary of her birth approaches on June 1, 2026, Monroe’s legacy remains ever-relevant. The insights revealed through her final interview alongside Allan Grant’s evocative photographs paint a picture of a woman who was not only an iconic figure but also deeply human. Grant, who captured Monroe in her last intimate photo shoot, noted her fragility, stating, “She was thinner and more fragile than I expected. She was smiling, but I detected a sadness about her, which I was to find out later was just about ready to surface.”
*Marilyn: The Lost Photographs, The Last Interview* aims to provide a deeper understanding of Monroe, sharing her reflections and the intimate moments captured on camera. The volume reveals her in all her complexity—witty, intelligent, and candid in her vulnerabilities, serving as a timely reminder of the challenges faced by those under the unyielding spotlight of fame.
The book, which is available for pre-order, offers a fuller context to Monroe’s life and career, celebrating her enduring impact on the entertainment industry and popular culture. As fans and new readers alike prepare to delve into the pages of Monroe’s final thoughts, they will encounter a multifaceted portrait of a woman whose legend continues to captivate and inspire.