Revel Palm Desert Residents Celebrate Marilyn Monroe’s 100th Birthday

Residents at Revel Palm Desert are celebrating the life and legacy of Marilyn Monroe ahead of what would have been the Hollywood icon’s 100th birthday on Monday. The independent living community is hosting a full day of Marilyn-themed festivities, including trivia games, movie screenings, a special happy hour, and a trip to downtown Palm Springs to visit the city’s famous “Forever Marilyn” statue. Staff say many residents — some in their 80s and 90s — grew up during Monroe’s rise to fame and still feel a strong connection to her legacy.

“She was beautiful and sexy and also successful. That was unusual for that time,” resident Diane Rhoades told NBC Palm Springs. “It was empowering.”

Events Coordinator Pieter Van Winkel says the celebration has generated excitement throughout the community, with some residents fully embracing the theme by dressing up as the legendary actress.

“One resident has been looking like Marilyn Monroe for the last couple days already,” Van Winkel said.

That resident is Andrea Cooper, who has spent the week channeling Monroe’s iconic look and personality ahead of the celebration.

“She was the goddess,” Cooper said. “I admire what she became, and I admire how she got there.”

Monroe’s connection to Palm Springs remains deeply rooted in the Coachella Valley, where the actress frequently spent time during Hollywood’s golden era. Today, her towering downtown statue continues to attract visitors from around the world — and for many locals, her cultural impact remains just as powerful a century later.