Marilyn’s timeless gift to JFK

IT was a gift that would prove timeless in the annals of history.

And now that gift, a gold rolex watch given by Marilyn Monroe to President John F Kennedy for his 45th birthday, is up for grabs for $4.7 million (€3.8m).

The watch, given to JFK on May 29, 1962 is inscribed 'Jack, with love as always, from Marilyn' and comes in a gold case complete with inscription and poem. The president tried to distance himself from Monroe after her famous 'Happy Birthday Mr President' performance at his bash at Madison Square Garden the same month. Concerned about rumours of an affair between the two, JFK handed the watch to a White House aide with orders for him 'to get rid of it'.