Frank Sinatra’s Ongoing Grief Over Marilyn Monroe’s Death

Frank Sinatra never managed to overcome the sudden and tragic death of Marilyn Monroe at the young age of 36.

Tony Oppedisano, a member of the late star's management team and a manager of mutual friend Don Rickles, revealed this insight in his recently published memoir, “Sinatra and Me: In the Wee Small Hours,” chronicling their enduring friendship that began when Oppedisano was only 21 years old.

According to Oppedisano, Sinatra held a deep affection for Monroe, viewing her as a vulnerable soul exploited by many.

Despite being physically attracted to her, Sinatra refrained from engaging in a romantic relationship with Monroe out of respect and concern.

He believed he could not bear to be another older man who took advantage of her and then abandoned her.

Sinatra's protective nature and genuine care for Monroe prevented him from pursuing a romantic involvement with her, as Oppedisano explained.

Speculation has long persisted regarding a potential affair between the iconic singer and Monroe.

An account in J. Randall Taraborrelli's book suggested that Sinatra contemplated proposing to Monroe to shield her from the pressures surrounding her.

The circumstances leading up to Monroe's demise in 1962 were shrouded in mystery and tragedy.

While her death was officially ruled a “probable suicide” due to an overdose of sleeping pills, Sinatra, among others, harbored doubts about this conclusion.

According to Oppedisano, Sinatra and Monroe shared a deep friendship devoid of any romantic entanglement.

Her untimely passing deeply affected Sinatra, who vehemently believed that her death was preventable and unnecessary.

Sinatra was troubled by Monroe's announcement of an upcoming press conference, which he suspected could have unveiled sensitive information about her relationships with prominent figures like the Kennedys.

It was later revealed that Monroe intended to publicly reconcile with her ex-husband Joe DiMaggio during the press conference.

Monroe's passing left a lasting impact on Sinatra, who never truly recovered from the loss, as Oppedisano disclosed.

Decades after her death, questions surrounding Monroe's demise persist, with various theories circulating, including alleged mafia involvement or cover-ups by influential figures.

However, concrete evidence supporting these claims remains elusive.

Sinatra firmly believed that had Monroe's press conference not been publicized, she might have survived longer, revealing the profound impact her premature death had on him.

The aftermath of Monroe's death saw DiMaggio taking charge of her funeral arrangements and honoring her memory by sending flowers to her grave regularly for two decades.

His steadfast devotion to Monroe endured until his passing in 1999 at the age of 84.

Sinatra, who passed away in 1998 at the age of 82, never truly moved on from the haunting memories of Monroe's tragic end, underscoring the enduring impact she had on his life.

(Note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.)