According to Nancy, she was placed with a wealthy New York family by Marilyn and her lover, Vincent Bruno, who raised her as their own.

Despite not knowing her true identity growing up, Nancy expressed gratitude for the loving upbringing she received from her adoptive family.

The woman whom Nancy believed to be her mother, Jenny Maniscalco, publicly acknowledged Nancy as her daughter.

However, privately, Jenny preferred to be addressed as “Aunt Mom” by Nancy.

Nancy also shared that Marilyn Monroe herself would occasionally visit their home, although at the time, Nancy did not think much of it due to her family’s connections in the New York social scene.

It was only after Marilyn Monroe’s tragic death from a drug overdose at the age of 36 in 1962, followed by Vincent Bruno’s passing in the subsequent years, that Jenny decided to reveal the truth to Nancy.

Reflecting on this revelation, Nancy expressed deep sorrow for not having had the opportunity to know her mother before her untimely demise.

Despite the shocking discovery, Nancy went on to establish herself as an accomplished English professor, having taught in various locations such as New York, St. Louis, and Hawaii.

In 2013, she penned a book chronicling her mother’s life and her personal journey, titled “From Sardi’s to Sicily: The Biography of Marilyn Monroe.”

When asked about her intentions regarding her newfound connection to Marilyn Monroe, Nancy asserted that she harbored no materialistic desires from her mother.

Although she had envisioned sharing her story through a tour, Nancy lamented that her declining health no longer permitted her to pursue this endeavor.