Who Was Marilyn Monroe’s True Love? The Enduring Romance With Joe DiMaggio
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Among Marilyn Monroe’s many relationships, her love for baseball legend Joe DiMaggio stands out as her most profound and enduring romance. Despite marrying three times—first to Jim Dougherty, then Joe DiMaggio, and finally playwright Arthur Miller—it was DiMaggio who captured Monroe’s heart in a way that outshone all others.
A Connection That Clicked Like a Double Play
Monroe and DiMaggio met in 1952, and their connection was immediate. DiMaggio once described their chemistry as “something clicks, like a double play combination.” Monroe expressed her deep affection in letters, telling him, “I miss it so much … I love you till my heart could burst.” She also confided to her biographer that “the truth is that we were very much alike,” highlighting the unique bond they shared.
A Brief Marriage, A Lifelong Bond
Their marriage in 1954 lasted just 274 days, strained largely by DiMaggio’s jealousy over Monroe’s skyrocketing fame and career. Yet, despite the divorce, the emotional bond between them endured until her untimely death in 1962.
DiMaggio’s devotion to Monroe was remarkable. He arranged her funeral, carefully limiting attendance to close family and friends. For two decades after her death, he ensured fresh roses were delivered to her grave multiple times a week—a poignant testament to his enduring love.
Emotional Fulfillment vs. Lasting Affection
While Monroe’s marriage to Arthur Miller is often cited as bringing her intellectual and emotional fulfillment—Monroe herself once said, “this is the first time I’ve been really in love”—it is her raw, heartfelt connection with DiMaggio that resonates most powerfully. Their relationship, though brief in marriage, left a permanent imprint on both their lives.
In summary: Marilyn Monroe’s truest love was Joe DiMaggio, a passion reflected in her intimate letters, his lifelong devotion, and the lasting memory he kept alive. Their story remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic romances, embodying love that transcended time and circumstance.
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