Why Frank Sinatra Suspected Foul Play in Marilyn Monroe’s Death: Insights from a New Book

In his later years, Frank Sinatra would often reflect on his past loves, heartaches, and the dear friends he dearly missed, notably Marilyn Monroe.

The circumstances surrounding Marilyn Monroe's demise on August 4, 1962, due to a drug overdose remain shrouded in mystery.

However, according to Tony Oppedisano, a close confidant of Sinatra and his former road manager, Sinatra harbored doubts that it was a mere accidental overdose.

In his memoir “Sinatra and Me: In The Wee Small Hours,” excerpted in this week's PEOPLE, Oppedisano discloses that Sinatra firmly believed she was a victim of foul play and this belief deeply affected him.

Oppedisano reveals that while Sinatra shared a close friendship with Monroe, their relationship did not extend to a romantic one.

Sinatra admired Monroe for her beauty and humor, but he considered her too emotionally fragile and troubled for a casual fling.

Despite their platonic bond, Monroe confided in Sinatra about her intimate relationships with John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy.

When these affairs abruptly ended, Monroe expressed her confusion to Sinatra, questioning why they had completely cut her off after she ceased being s–ually involved with them.

During the weekend before her untimely death, Monroe spent time at the renowned Cal Neva Lodge near Lake Tahoe, a property partially owned by Sinatra.

The author discloses that Monroe was there to reunite with her ex-husband Joe DiMaggio, who was staying nearby, and had intentions of announcing their reconciliation publicly the following week.

Speculation arose that Monroe planned to divulge details of her associations with JFK and RFK during the press conference.

However, Oppedisano asserts that Sinatra believed Monroe harbored lingering feelings for JFK and would not have exposed their relationship.

Sinatra was convinced that had the press conference not been scheduled, Monroe might have lived longer.

Shortly after Monroe's passing, Sinatra's lawyer Mickey Rudin, who also represented Monroe, informed him that Monroe's death was not accidental but deliberate.

Rumors circulated, implicating Robert Kennedy or members of the Mob in her demise.

Decades later, the truth behind Monroe's death remains elusive, fueling numerous conspiracy theories.

Oppedisano acknowledges the enduring mystery but emphasizes Sinatra's enduring sense of loss over Monroe's tragic end.

In his final years, Sinatra often reminisced about Monroe, alongside his Rat Pack companions Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin, during intimate conversations that stretched into the early hours at his cherished Palm Springs estate.

These stories, kept private for years, are now shared by Oppedisano to illuminate the lesser-known human side of the legendary musician.

Oppedisano reflects on his unique bond with Sinatra, aiming to portray a side of the iconic figure that few had the chance to witness.

He believes that Sinatra anticipated the eventual sharing of these stories with the world, allowing a glimpse into the personal anecdotes Sinatra held dear.

For further insights into Frank Sinatra and the undisclosed facets of his life, refer to the latest edition of PEOPLE magazine.