On May 19, 1962, one of the most iconic moments in American pop culture history occurred when actress Marilyn Monroe sang "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" to John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event was a fundraiser for the Democratic Party, and Monroe's performance was the highlight of the evening.

Monroe, wearing a tight, sheer, flesh-colored dress adorned with 2,500 rhinestones, took the stage and began to sing in her trademark breathy, sensual voice. The dress was so form-fitting that Monroe had to be sewn into it just before the performance. The dress, designed by Jean Louis, was later auctioned off in 2016 for a record-breaking $4.8 million.

The performance was particularly notable because rumors had been circulating about an affair between Monroe and Kennedy. Monroe's sultry rendition of the song, complete with a few lyrical changes (e.g., "Happy birthday, Mr. President" instead of "Happy birthday, dear John"), only fueled the speculation.

Sadly, this event was one of Monroe's last public appearances. She died less than three months later, on August 4, 1962, at the age of 36. Her performance at Madison Square Garden has since become a legendary moment, immortalized in photographs, film, and cultural memory. It remains a testament to Monroe's enduring status as a cultural icon and her undeniable charisma and allure.