The Dress That Marilyn Monroe Wore to Her Funeral

Marilyn Monroe, the iconic blonde beauty, tragically passed away at the young age of 36 on August 4, 1962.

Her autopsy report, which was released by the Los Angeles Times, revealed that she died from an accidental overdose.

Despite some suspicions, there was no evidence to suggest that she took her own life.

Monroe's ex-husband Joe DiMaggio, along with her manager and half-sister, organized the arrangements for her burial.

On August 8, 1962, at 1:00 p.m., Monroe's funeral took place at the Westwood Village Mortuary Chapel, located within the Westwood Memorial Cemetery.

The service was conducted by Reverend A. J. Soldan, a Lutheran clergyman from the Village Church of Westwood, and it was kept extremely private.

Various passages from the Bible were read, including Psalm 23, chapter 14 of the Book of John, and excerpts from Psalms 46 and 139.

The Lord's Prayer was also recited.

The somber event began with Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony and featured Judy Garland's rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” as requested by Marilyn herself.

Due to illness, Carl Sandburg, DiMaggio's initial choice to lead the service, was unable to attend, so Lee Strasberg filled in.

Before the funeral, Marilyn Monroe's governess, Eunice Murray, assisted with the preparations.

Murray later documented the days leading up to the funeral in her book “Marilyn: The Final Months.”

Monroe's half-sister, Berniece Miracle, was tasked with selecting the outfit she would be buried in.

As blue was Monroe's favorite color, Miracle inquired about her sister's blue gowns, but Murray informed her that there were none as Marilyn hadn't been wearing blue recently.

Inez Melson, the executrix of Marilyn's estate, suggested that Mrs. Murray show them Marilyn's favorite dress instead.

Eunice retrieved the light green Pucci dress from the rack, reminiscing about how Marilyn had looked stunning wearing it during a press appearance in Mexico City.

“You should see it on a hanger,” Marilyn had joked to reporters, referring to the outfit.

When the dress hung on the hanger, its shapeless form became evident.

The curves that would normally come from Marilyn's figure were missing.

The dress was then placed on a queen-sized bed for everyone to see.

Eunice stood on one side of Mrs.

Miracle, while Mrs. Melson remained seated at the foot of the bed.

Mrs.

Miracle approved of the outfit and handed it to Mrs. Melson, saying, “This will do.”

The light green dress was designed by Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci and included a shawl around Marilyn's neck.

Allan “Whitey” Snyder, Monroe's personal makeup artist, applied her makeup on that day.

According to QCC, Snyder had jokingly promised years before Monroe's death that he would be the only one to touch her face.

He recounted a conversation they had in the early 1950s when Marilyn said, “Promise me if something happens to me, please never let anybody touch my face but you.

Promise me you'll do my makeup, so I'll look my best.”

Monroe's remains were placed in a bronze-colored casket.

Agnes Flanagan, who was styling Marilyn's hair that day, had to wear a wig identical to the one Marilyn wore in her last unfinished film, “Something's Got to Give,” due to damage caused by the autopsy.

In her hands, she held a bouquet of pink teacup roses that DiMaggio, who had kept vigil the previous night, had given her.

Among the pallbearers were Allen Abbott, Sidney Guilaroff, Ronald Hast, Leonard Krisminsky, and Clarence Pierce, along with Allan Snyder.

They carried Marilyn's casket during the funeral procession.

Lee Strasberg delivered a heartfelt eulogy, describing Marilyn Monroe as a legend who achieved great success despite her humble beginnings.

He acknowledged that he couldn't truly capture the essence of the myth and legend she had become.

Strasberg emphasized that he knew Marilyn as a warm and sensitive human being who craved acceptance and fulfillment.

He respected her privacy and chose not to describe her to those who already knew her.

He shared memories of Marilyn as a devoted friend and colleague, highlighting her talent and the potential she had yet to fulfill.

Strasberg expressed his sorrow that her life was cut short and expressed hope that her death would bring sympathy and understanding for the sensitive artist she was.

In conclusion, Strasberg bid farewell to Marilyn, using her own words to turn it into an “au revoir,” indicating that she had moved on to another realm.

He suggested that one day, we will all visit the same place she now resides.

As we remember and honor Marilyn Monroe, we cannot forget the impact she made during her short life.

Her legacy lives on, not only as a glamorous Hollywood star but also as a sincere and talented artist who left a lasting impression on those who knew her best.