The Mysterious Last Words of Marilyn Monroe: What Did She Really Say Before Her Death?

Marilyn Monroe, one of Hollywood’s most iconic and enigmatic figures, passed away on August 5, 1962, under circumstances that have remained a subject of intrigue and speculation for decades. While the official cause of death was acute barbiturate poisoning, likely a suicide, the events leading up to her death, including her last spoken words, continue to captivate the public. What were Monroe’s final utterances, and how do they shape our understanding of her last moments?

The Final Call with Peter Lawford

One of the most significant details in the mystery of Monroe’s death comes from her last phone call. According to a 1985 police report by Chief Daryl Gates, Monroe called Peter Lawford, actor and brother-in-law to President John F. Kennedy, around 10:00 p.m. on the evening of August 4, 1962. Lawford reported that Monroe sounded “slurred” and “drowsy” during the conversation, which has since been recounted as her final communication with someone.

During this call, Monroe reportedly said, “Say goodbye to Pat, say goodbye to Jack, and say goodbye to yourself, because you’re a nice guy.” These words, lasting around five to ten minutes, are considered to be her final spoken words, as she was alone after this conversation and found dead hours later. The last word in this phrase, “guy,” is widely regarded as Monroe’s final utterance, with several reports, including those from UPI Archives and Wikipedia, supporting this conclusion.

The Uncertainty Surrounding Monroe’s Last Words

While the “guy” remark is the most consistent interpretation of Monroe’s last words, the absence of direct recordings and the reliance on second-hand reports leave room for ambiguity. Lawford, who recounted this conversation, passed away in 1984, and some have questioned the accuracy of his memory or whether time may have affected his recollection. Despite these uncertainties, the “guy” conclusion remains the most widely accepted based on historical accounts.

Alternative Theories and Speculations

Monroe’s death has been surrounded by numerous conspiracy theories, many of which focus not on her last words but on the circumstances of her death. Some biographers have suggested that Monroe’s overdose was not a suicide, but rather an accidental overdose facilitated by the Kennedys or even the CIA. However, none of these theories offer a different interpretation of her final spoken words.

In contrast, other sources point to Monroe’s final hours, where she was reportedly found clutching the telephone receiver, suggesting she might have attempted another call after speaking with Lawford. However, no further words were recorded, and the phone did not capture any additional speech, as detailed in a Vanity Fair article from 2022. This leaves the possibility open that Monroe may have spoken more in her final moments, but with no concrete evidence, the mystery persists.

The Legacy of Marilyn Monroe’s Last Words

Marilyn Monroe’s final words, though seemingly simple, are now woven into the complex tapestry of her life and death. The phrase, “Say goodbye to Pat, say goodbye to Jack, and say goodbye to yourself, because you’re a nice guy,” has been interpreted as a melancholic farewell to those she loved, perhaps a final acknowledgment of the deep loneliness and personal struggles she endured. This farewell, whether fully accurate or not, encapsulates the tragic beauty of Monroe’s existence—simultaneously glamorous and deeply troubled.

As the decades pass, the fascination with Monroe’s life and death only grows, with her last words representing a poignant piece of that puzzle. Whether seen as a final act of emotional clarity or a statement caught in the fog of her despair, the words spoken to Peter Lawford have become a symbol of the sorrow that haunted one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. In the absence of definitive answers about her death, Monroe’s last spoken words remain a haunting echo of a life that continues to intrigue and inspire.