This article was originally published on Starandstyle.com
Step into the world of Marilyn Monroe’s romantic escapades, where the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood meet the complexities of love. Monroe’s love life paints a captivating portrait of the era, from her enchanting courtship with Joe DiMaggio to the quiet intimacy of her marriage to Arthur Miller. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of her relationships and the many rumored relationships far and between. Monroe’s magnetic charm and vulnerability shine through with each partner, leaving an enduring legacy that fascinates audiences.
Jim Dougherty: The Beginning
Her age: 16-20
Duration: 1942-1946
Marilyn Monroe and Jim Dougherty’s relationship began in the early 1940s when they were both teenagers. Norma Jeane Baker, who would later become Marilyn Monroe, married Dougherty on June 19, 1942, at 16. Monroe’s guardian arranged the marriage to prevent her from returning to an orphanage.
Dougherty, a 21-year-old factory worker, provided stability and a sense of normalcy for Norma Jeane during a turbulent time in her life. Their early years were marked by a typical wartime romance, with Dougherty serving in the Merchant Marine while Norma Jeane supported the war effort by working in a munitions factory.