The Story Behind Marilyn Monroe’s Famous ‘Happy Birthday JFK’ Dress

One of Marilyn Monroe’s unforgettable performances amongst many was the “Happy Birthday JFK” tribute at Madison Square Garden in 1962. The blonde bombshell was famous for her captivating figure and enchanting aura in movies, public appearances, and performances. Marilyn was also a fashion icon, her unique style still blazing a trail decades after her passing.

Marilyn wore a sheer, flesh-colored gown covered in 2,500 hand-stitched crystals for her performance at JFK’s birthday. The dress was so sultry that for a moment the audience thought they were seeing Marilyn naked and, more interestingly, fueled rumors of her affair with JFK at the time. Decades after the historic event, reality TV personality and businesswoman Kim Kardashian wore the iconic dress to the 2022 MET Gala, stirring up memories and tales behind the dress once again.

The making of the performance’s famous look

Marilyn had the $1,440 (around $14,500 in 2023) dress custom-made by French fashion designer Jean Louis. Jean was an award-winning designer and had previously made dresses for the movie star. The fabric was so tight and delicate that Marilyn had to be sewn into the dress, and she wore nothing else underneath.

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Marilyn kept the dress a secret until she arrived at the event, dropping her fur coat to reveal the gorgeousness underneath that got everyone talking. Her birthday song performance lasted only about thirty seconds, with a few piano chords and Marilyn’s enticing serenade, reinforcing, again, the rumors of her affair with JFK. Further fuel came from JFK commenting on the performance, saying, “I can now retire from politics after having had ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way.”

The iconic dress stirred up both trouble and excitement

After the event, First Lady Jackie O. was unhappy and blamed her brother-in-law, Bobby Kennedy, for coordinating the show-stealing moment. “My understanding of it is that Bobby was the one who orchestrated the whole goddamn thing. The Attorney General is the troublemaker here . . . it’s Bobby I’m angry at, not Jack,” Jackie had said.

The only known photo of Marilyn and JFK, taken by Cecil Stoughton and kept secret, was released in 2010. Following the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes actress’ death months after the controversial performance, the dress, her alleged affair with JFK, and the performance itself would again make the headlines and topic for gossip. Years later, sheer gowns like Marilyn’s are still considered a statement look among Hollywood celebrities and designers.