In April 1962, Jackie Kennedy, the elegant first lady, was taken aback when she received a call at her Hyannis Port, Massachusetts home from none other than Marilyn Monroe, the iconic Hollywood star who was rumored to have had a romantic liaison with her husband.
Recalling the incident, Kennedy shared with her family the eerie impact of Monroe’s breathy voice during that brief conversation.
Despite the lack of substantial dialogue, Kennedy couldn’t shake off the haunting quality of Monroe’s voice, leaving her pondering for years about the authenticity of the call.
According to author Taraborrelli, Monroe inquired if “Jack” was home, indicating her connection to President Kennedy, and then proceeded to ask for Jackie.
Monroe simply wanted to convey a casual greeting, yet Kennedy found the exchange disturbing due to the melancholic and ethereal tone in Monroe’s voice.
Taraborrelli’s book delves into details of a supposed intimate encounter between John F. Kennedy and Monroe in March 1962, which lasted only a weekend at Bing Crosby’s Palm Springs residence.
The senator George Smathers mentioned Kennedy’s admiration for Monroe’s beauty and light-heartedness, contrasting her demeanor with Jackie’s seriousness.
Subsequently, rumors circulated about Monroe’s alleged involvement with Robert Kennedy, adding to the complexities of the situation.
Despite JFK dismissing any romantic ties with Monroe, Kennedy expressed her discomfort with the situation, leading to her unease when Monroe unexpectedly reached out via phone call.
The private nature of the call raised suspicions as the Kennedy household’s phone lines were monitored, except for the line directly to their bedroom.
Kennedy questioned how Monroe bypassed the security measures, even considering the possibility of a prank by her half-brother.
Regarding speculations about Monroe’s relationships, Taraborrelli debunked claims of an affair with Robert Kennedy, attributing Monroe’s exaggerated narratives to her vivid imagination and desire for attention.
The news of Monroe’s tragic death in August 1962 shook Kennedy, reinforcing her belief that Monroe was a vulnerable individual and highlighting JFK’s flaws.
Despite the complex emotions surrounding Monroe’s demise, Kennedy remained composed, choosing not to attend an event where Monroe was set to perform for her husband.
The aftermath of Monroe’s passing left a lasting impact on Kennedy, evident in her struggles with PTSD and emotional turmoil.
Through psychoanalyst sessions with Dr. Marianne Kris, Kennedy confronted her inner turmoil, eventually learning of Kris’s prior association with Monroe during her psychiatric treatment.
Revelations about the mysterious phone call resurfaced during Kennedy’s therapy sessions, where Kris confirmed Monroe’s call to Kennedy, further emphasizing the lasting impression Monroe left on those she encountered.
Reflecting on Monroe’s legacy, it becomes evident that her presence, albeit fleeting, had a profound impact on individuals like Jackie Kennedy, resonating long after her untimely demise, and casting a shadow of intrigue over the enigmatic starlet.
