Marilyn Monroe’s Personal Telegram to Dr. Ralph Greenson, July 14, 1961
From the Personal Files of Marilyn Monroe: This original sender’s copy of a telegram, dated July 14, 1961, documents a personal message sent by Marilyn Monroe to her psychiatrist, Dr. Ralph Greenson. Typed and signed simply “Marilyn,” the telegram reads:
“Dear Dr. Greenson: I hope all your roses are in bloom today including the blackest red ones. Happy Anniversary to you and Mrs. Greenson.”
As the sender’s retained copy, this document was preserved among Monroe’s personal files, reflecting her practice of maintaining records of important correspondence. The message conveys Monroe’s acknowledgment of a personal milestone in Dr. Greenson’s life and reflects the professional and personal relationship that had developed between them during this period.
By 1961, Dr. Greenson had become one of the most significant figures in Monroe’s life, providing psychiatric care and support during a time marked by both professional achievement and personal challenges. This telegram offers rare, firsthand evidence of Monroe’s direct communication with Greenson, preserved in her own records.
As an original document created and retained by Marilyn Monroe, this telegram provides an intimate glimpse into her personal correspondence and the relationships that shaped her life during its final years.
Related Collection Artifact:
Marilyn Monroe’s Personal Invoice From Psychiatrist Dr. Ralph Greenson, June 1, 1962
Collector’s Note
This telegram provides rare and deeply personal evidence of Marilyn Monroe’s direct correspondence with Dr. Ralph Greenson, one of the most influential figures in her life during her final years. Preserved as Monroe’s own retained copy, it reflects her practice of maintaining records of important communications.
The message itself reveals a tone of warmth and familiarity, offering insight into the personal dimension of their relationship beyond the clinical setting. Such correspondence provides valuable historical context, illustrating the human connections that existed alongside the professional care Greenson provided.
As an original document preserved among her personal files, this telegram stands as tangible evidence of Marilyn Monroe’s personal voice and relationships, offering a meaningful glimpse into the private world behind her public life.
Dr. Ralph Greenson and Marilyn Monroe
Dr. Ralph R. Greenson was Marilyn Monroe’s psychiatrist during the final years of her life and played a significant role in her medical and emotional care beginning in 1960. A respected Los Angeles psychoanalyst and former president of the Los Angeles Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, Greenson was recognized as a leading figure in his profession and treated many individuals within the entertainment industry.
Greenson became closely involved in Monroe’s treatment during a period marked by professional strain, sleep disturbances, and emotional difficulty. He met with her regularly and maintained communication with her other physicians, including Dr. Hyman Engelberg, to oversee her care. Greenson also encouraged Monroe to maintain daily structure and stability, reflecting the therapeutic approaches of the time.
He was among the last individuals known to have spoken with Monroe on August 4, 1962. His role in her care has since become an important part of the historical record, providing insight into the medical and personal circumstances of Monroe’s final months.
Dr. Greenson’s involvement with Monroe remains essential to understanding the professional relationships and medical oversight present during the last chapter of her life.
Related Collection Artifact:
Scott Fortner
Marilyn Monroe Collection
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