In his latest biography titled “Jackie: Public, Private, Secret,” author J. Randy Taraborrelli delves into nearly 25 years of research and interviews with individuals close to former First Lady Jackie Kennedy.
The book sheds light on President John F. Kennedy’s rumored affair with Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, alleging a weekend liaison in March 1962.
Taraborrelli’s narrative also unveils a poignant phone conversation between Kennedy and Monroe just a month after the actress’s involvement with the president.
The exchange took place in April 1962 when Monroe reached out to Kennedy at their Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, residence, seeking to speak with “Jack.”
Recognizing Monroe’s voice, Kennedy confirmed her identity before the star expressed a simple desire to relay a greeting to her husband.
The unexpected call deeply affected Kennedy, as recounted by Taraborrelli.
Despite the lack of substantial dialogue, Kennedy was struck by the haunting quality of Monroe’s voice, leaving her with lingering uncertainties for years to come.
Describing Monroe’s tone as both sad and ethereal, Kennedy found it unsettling, especially considering the mysterious circumstances surrounding how Monroe acquired the private number, bypassing the Secret Service screening reserved for incoming calls.
Notably, just a month after this encounter, Monroe captivated the world with her sultry rendition of “Happy Birthday” to JFK during his 45th birthday gala, an event where Jackie Kennedy was conspicuously absent.
Following Monroe’s tragic death at age 36 later that year, Taraborrelli revealed Kennedy’s complex emotions, portraying her as deeply affected by the loss while also harboring reservations about Monroe’s vulnerabilities and the tumultuous nature of her relationship with JFK.
Despite recognizing Monroe’s fragility, Kennedy’s primary focus remained on her husband, understanding the complexities of being married to a powerful figure like JFK.
Taraborrelli emphasized Kennedy’s acceptance of JFK’s imperfections, acknowledging that great men often carry significant flaws, illustrating the intricate dynamics at play within the Kennedy-Monroe saga.
