Marilyn Monroe's Apology Note to Joe DiMaggio is Up for Auction
In 1954, 28-year-old Marilyn Monroe, a star at the height of her career, scribbled an apology note to her then-husband New York Yankees baseball player Joe DiMaggio on the back of a laundromat receipt after the couple had a spat. Today, that note is preparing to be auctioned at Christie's for an estimated price between $50,000 and $100,000.
In the note, Monroe wrote, “Dear Joe, I know I was wrong! I acted the way I did and said the things I did because I was hurt—not because I meant them—and it was stupid of me to be hurt because actually there wasn’t enough reason—in fact no reason at all. Please accept my apology and don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t be angry with your baby—she loves you. Lovingly, your wife (for life) Mrs. J.P. DiMaggio."
The short letter was discovered in DiMaggio's wallet, weathered by time and torn into four equal parts. At the time of its discovery, those in possession of the note thought it wouldn't be right to join the pieces back together, but rather leave it as it was found and imagine it as a "treasure" secretly kept by DiMaggio long after his relationship with the Hollywood star ended. Ultimately, DiMaggio filed for divorce in late 1954, less than a year into their marriage.
The note will be auctioned Wednesday, December 16 from Christie's Home Plate: A Private Collection of Important Baseball Memorabilia.
