What Marilyn Monroe’s Last Words to Lawford Really Mean—A Final Message to Kennedy and the World

Marilyn Monroe’s death on August 5, 1962, at the age of 36, remains one of Hollywood’s most haunting and debated tragedies. The iconic actress, known for her roles in Some Like It Hot (1959) and The Seven Year Itch (1955), was found dead at her home from an apparent barbiturate overdose, a death that was officially ruled a probable suicide. Yet, decades after her passing, the mystery surrounding her final moments, particularly her last words, continues to spark curiosity and speculation. This investigation aims to shed light on what Marilyn Monroe’s last word might have been, examining available sources, interviews, and historical accounts.

A Life Marked by Struggles and Success

Before delving into her last moments, it’s crucial to understand the context of Monroe’s life. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, she rose from a troubled childhood to become one of the most famous actresses in Hollywood. However, her personal life was marked by mental health challenges, substance abuse, and tumultuous relationships, including her alleged affairs with President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Robert F. Kennedy.

Monroe’s tragic death has long been surrounded by conspiracy theories, some suggesting foul play. A 1982 review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office examined the case but ultimately found no conclusive evidence to support the theories of murder, although it acknowledged “factual discrepancies” that have fueled speculation ever since. With such intrigue surrounding her death, the question of her final words adds another layer to the ongoing fascination with her life and legacy.

The Last Conversation: A Final Goodbye

To investigate Monroe’s final words, it’s important to distinguish between her last known communication and the actual moment of her death. Multiple sources point to a conversation Monroe had with actor Peter Lawford on the evening of August 4, 1962, which is often cited as her final known exchange.

During this phone call, which reportedly took place around 8:00 p.m., Monroe’s voice was described as “drugged” and “despondent.” According to accounts from UPI Archives and The Mirror, she ended the conversation with the following words: “Say goodbye to Pat, say goodbye to Jack, and say goodbye to yourself, because you’re a nice guy.” These words have been echoed by various credible sources, marking them as the last known communication before her death.

While this statement may be viewed as a poignant farewell to the people closest to her—Pat (Patricia Lawford, Peter’s wife), Jack (President John F. Kennedy), and Lawford himself—it is important to note that Monroe’s “last word” in this instance is a phrase rather than a single word, as was the original query. No credible reports suggest that Monroe spoke a single word immediately before her death, as she was alone at the time of her passing.

The Impact of the Tapes and Other Conversations

In addition to the phone call with Lawford, there have been discussions about secret tapes made by Monroe in the days leading up to her death. The book Marilyn’s Last Words: Her Secret Tapes and Mysterious Death by Matthew Smith and the Netflix documentary The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes explored these tapes, which allegedly feature Monroe speaking candidly about her mental state and personal life. However, while the tapes revealed that Monroe was not suicidal and had plans for the future, they did not provide any evidence of a final word or phrase before her death.

Furthermore, another phone call she made that night, to her hairdresser Sydney Guilaroff, has been mentioned in various sources. During this conversation, Monroe reportedly mentioned Bobby Kennedy visiting and even threatened her, but the authenticity of these claims has been disputed. This conversation, along with others in the final hours, contributes to the complexity surrounding Monroe’s final moments, but it does not appear to offer any further clarity on her last word.

What We Know and What We Don’t

The consensus across all sources is that Monroe’s last known words were the farewell spoken to Peter Lawford, as she ended their phone call. While this phrase suggests a thoughtful, poignant goodbye, it is important to acknowledge that Monroe was likely too unwell to have any further conversation before her death. The details surrounding the night of her passing, particularly her isolation and the absence of witnesses, mean that we will never know for sure what her true last word might have been, as no one was present at the precise moment of her death.

Conclusion: A Final Goodbye That Resonates Beyond Words

Marilyn Monroe’s last known words, “Say goodbye to Pat, say goodbye to Jack, and say goodbye to yourself, because you’re a nice guy,” reflect a sense of closure and finality, suggesting she was aware of the gravity of the moment. These words, delivered with emotional depth, represent not just a farewell to close friends and loved ones but also a lasting part of her legacy.

The mystery of Monroe’s final moments, and the question of her last word, remain significant to her enduring image in popular culture. While we may never know if her final utterance was a solitary word or a complete phrase, the farewell she shared with Peter Lawford provides a poignant insight into her state of mind at the time of her death. Monroe’s legacy continues to captivate the world, with each new revelation about her life and passing only deepening the intrigue surrounding the iconic actress.