In the 1950s and 60s, Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra were two of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood. They were in all the magazines and had millions of fans worldwide. Even now, decades later, they’re still icons in the industry.
One interesting fact about these two is that they dated. It has never been clear whether their relationship was a deep friendship or an open relationship, but one thing is clear, Sinatra and Monroe felt deeply for each other.
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After Monroe died in 1962, there were many conspiracy theories about her death and whether it was really a suicide or murder. Sinatra apparently believed that the woman he loved was murdered. Read on to learn more about their relationship and his thoughts about her death.
Sinatra and Monroe had A Complicated Relationship
There are many accounts and opinions of Sinatra and Monroe’s relationship. Some say they were just friends, and some, like Charles Casillo, say they were in an open relationship. In his book, “Marilyn Monroe: The Private Life of a Public Icon,” he claimed that Sinatra and Monroe were in an open relationship.
He wrote, “Like many men, Frank Sinatra fell under her spell. He treated her like he had never treated any other woman. He was very protective of her.” He also revealed that Sinatra once planned to marry Monroe, but his lawyer warned him against it because she was too volatile.
A contrary opinion about their relationship came from Sinatra’s friend and one-time road manager, Tony Oppedisano, who claimed the two were just friends. According to a report by People on Oppedisano’s book, “Sinatra and Me: In the Wee Small Hours,” Oppedisano wrote, “Frank felt she was too troubled, too fragile, for him to sleep with and then walk away.”
Monroe’s Death Was Suspicious
Monroe’s life in the years leading up to her death was chaotic, to say the least. She suffered from substance abuse, and her mental health was rapidly declining. Since the release of “The Misfits” on February 1st, 1961, Monroe had not completed a film and had spent the whole year dealing with her health issues.
Unfortunately, on August 4th, 1962, Monroe was found dead in her home. Upon investigation, authorities concluded that her death was likely from suicide. When the news broke, there were tons of conspiracy theories, especially as Monroe had connections with the Kennedy family.
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Most of the rumors and suspicion revolved around her alleged relationship with John F.Kennedy, and Oppedisano wrote about it too. He shared that he always believed that Monroe had feelings for Kennedy but that it was never up to love and a serious relationship.
Sinatra Believed Monroe Was Murdered
Oppedisano also wrote that shortly before she was found dead, Monroe planned to make a press conference to announce that she and her former husband, Joe DiMaggio, were in a relationship.
He also wrote that he believed that she would reveal private details about her relationship with the Kennedy brothers at the conference. He said, “Frank believed if the press conference hadn’t been announced, she would have lived a lot longer. Frank believed she was murdered and he never got over it.
This is in line with what conspiracy theorists have pushed for years: someone close to the Kennedy family or in the mafia murdered Monroe or ordered her murder. Oppedisano didn’t address the theories and claims, but he didn’t have to.
Sinatra Wasn’t Allowed At Monroe’s Funeral
Monroe’s relationship with DiMaggio was another chaotic thing in her life. They eventually divorced, but his love for her never faded, even after death. Until the day he died, he sent roses to her grave every week, in line with a request she once made of him.
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According to the New York Times, when DiMaggio learned of his ex-wife’s relationship with Sinatra, he was extremely heartbroken, especially because he and Sintra were once very close friends.
So when Monroe died, and the date of her funeral came, DiMaggio ensured that Sinatra couldn’t attend by banning him and preventing him from saying his goodbyes to the woman he loved.
