Watch CBS News

Marilyn Monroe's 'Happy Birthday' Dress Up For Auction After NJ Showcase

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The flesh-colored dress Marilyn Monroe wore during her breathless rendition of "Happy Birthday'' to President John F. Kennedy is going on the auction block this fall.

Julien's Auctions is offering the sequined stunner Nov. 17 in Los Angeles.

The auction house believes it could fetch as much as $3 million.

Monroe wore the sparkling, skin-tight dress at Kennedy's 45th birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden in 1962.

Marilyn Monroe Happy Birthday Mr President by AlterEgo on YouTube

It was so form-fitting, Monroe had to be sewn into it.

She died less than three months later of an overdose of sleeping pills. Kennedy was assassinated the following year.

The dress was last sold in 1999 for $1.26 million. According to Time.com, the winning bid was placed by Manhattan-based collectibles company Gotta Have It!. The dress originally cost around $12,000, according to Time.

Prior to the sale, the dress will be showcased at MANA Contemporary in Jersey City, New Jersey, and the Museum of Style Icons in Newbridge, Ireland.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.