Marilyn Monroe Sender’s Copy of Telegram to Dr Ralph Greenson
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 Monroe to her psychiatrist, Dr Ralph Greenson. Typed and signed simply “Marilyn,” the telegram conveys congratulations on a personal milestone and reflects the tone of familiarity that had developed in their correspondence.
By this period Greenson had become a significant figure in Monroe’s life, providing psychiatric care during a time marked by both professional activity and personal difficulty.
Retained among her personal papers, the document represents a rare example of Monroe’s direct communication preserved in her own files. As a sender’s copy, it also reflects her practice of maintaining records of meaningful correspondence.
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.
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.
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Collector’s Note
As a collector, I find telegrams like this especially valuable because they capture Marilyn Monroe’s voice in a concise and immediate form.
Unlike letters written retrospectively or documents created for administrative purposes, a telegram reflects a specific moment of intention. It records a message chosen for urgency and clarity.
What stands out is the fact that Monroe retained her own copy. This transforms what would otherwise be a fleeting communication into a permanent record of relationship. It shows how she documented connections that mattered to her during a complex period of her life.
Artifacts like this help move the historical discussion away from interpretation and toward evidence. They demonstrate how Monroe communicated directly with individuals who played important roles in her personal and professional world.
Scott Fortner
Marilyn Monroe Collection
Founder & Owner
@mariylnmonroecollection 
TheMarilynMonroeCollection