Marilyn Monroe 'Happy Birthday, Mister President' Dress Sells for $4.8 Million at West Hollywood Auction

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA -- The dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang "Happy Birthday Mr. President" to John F. Kennedy sold at auction Thursday in West Hollywood for $4.8 million dollars.

The dress was sold on the first day of a three-day auction of Monroe's personal and career items at Julien's Auctions.

The skintight, sheer, flesh-colored dress designed by Jean Louis that sparkled with more than 2,500 hand-stitched crystals was presented on a custom- made mannequin designed to match Monroe's exact body measurements.

Monroe wore the dress on May 19, 1962, at a Democratic Party fundraiser and early 45th birthday celebration for Kennedy at the since-demolished third version of Madison Square Garden.

Other items sold Thursday included:

• a cocktail dress Monroe wore in the film "Some Like it Hot" sold for $450,000;
• the gown Monroe wore to the 1955 premiere of the film "The Rose Tattoo" sold for $125,000;
• a costume Monroe wore in the film "Bus Stop," along with a studio image and tear sheet sold for $100,000;
• a gown Monroe wore in "There's No Business Like Show Business” sold for $81,000;
• a gown Monroe wore in the Prince and the Showgirl" and window card sold for $75,000; and
• the negligee Monroe wore in the film "Niagara" sold for $59,000.

The auction will continue through Saturday.

-- City News Service, photo courtesy of Julien's Auctions