Marilyn Monroe Heartbreaking Handwritten Letter Regarding Potential Pregnancy Loss....

Description

Marilyn Monroe Bares Her Soul in a Vulnerable and Tortured Exceptionally Rare Letter Regarding the Loss of a Recent Pregnancy.

"Could I have killed it?... What shall I do? If it is alive I want to keep it!"

Marilyn Monroe Heartbreaking Handwritten Letter Regarding Potential Pregnancy Loss. [Undated, likely 1958]. Vintage original one-page handwritten letter by Marilyn Monroe on 8" x 11" lined paper, outlining the actress's inner turmoil regarding the possibility that she may have lost a pregnancy due to her use of prescription barbiturates. Teetering between panic, regret, and grief, this intimate letter offers a rare and heartbreaking glimpse into the actress's reckoning with the pain she may have been responsible for. In a confessional voice, Monroe writes in full:

"I think I've been pregnant for about three weeks or maybe two. My breasts have been to [sic] sore to even touch - I've never had that in my life before also they ache - also I've been having cramps and slight staining since Monday - now the staining is increasing and pain is increasing by the minute. I did not eat at all yesterday - also last night I took 4 whole Amitall [sic] sleeping pills which was by actual count really 8 little Amitall [sic] sleeping pills. Ask this question - Could I have killed it by taking all the Amital [sic] on an empty stomach? (except I took some sherry wine also). What shall I do? If it is still alive I want to keep it!"

Letter is undated and unsigned, with no recipient specified. Speculation exists that Monroe lost a pregnancy in 1958, although Rosten writes in his memoir that she was not, in fact, pregnant at the time of this letter. Regardless, the uninhibited anguish expressed here, and the acknowledgment that her actions may have caused a miscarriage, speak to how deeply Monroe wished to have children and how pained she was that her struggles with prescription pills may have compromised that possibility. Written in blue ink. Exhibits even foxing throughout and crease lines from prior folding, edgewear, corner bumps, smudges, and light creasing throughout. A remarkable document addressing the actress's deepest private struggles. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions. From the Estate of Norman and Hedda Rosten.

Heritage Auctions provides detailed information when available but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements and photographs are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of facts, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Framed artworks are not examined outside their frames, and additional details from Heritage may be unavailable; therefore, the condition of unexamined works is not guaranteed. Heritage is not responsible for damage to frames, glazing, original boxes, display materials, or for works that have shifted within the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" in accordance with our Terms & Conditions of Auction.