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Loni Anderson wore one of Marilyn Monroe’s gowns to an exhibit honoring the late bombshell in 2010
Anderson was a surprise guest at the event, and collector Scott Fornter described the moment as a “full circle” memory
Anderson passed away on Aug. 3 at 79
Loni Anderson held a special connection to Marilyn Monroe.
As news of the WKRP in Cincinnati actress’s death at 79 spread, a special memory of the actress was shared by Scott Fortner, the collector behind The Marilyn Monroe Collection. The collection is currently the largest of the late icon’s personal items, each representing significant aspects of Monroe’s life.
It was in 2010 that Anderson delivered a dress belonging to Monroe to the Hollywood Museum, where there was an exhibit celebrating the screen icon. The dress was sold at the 1999 Christie’s auction by Monroe’s estate for over $100,000.
“The museum had acquired one of Marilyn’s black Ceil Chapman cocktail dresses from the 1999 Christie’s auction…and Loni arrived WEARING IT 😲🖤,” he revealed on Instagram.
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Scott Fortner / @marilynmonroecollection
Loni Anderson in Marilyn Monroe’s dress
“No, it wasn’t damaged. I can vouch for that,” he added, referencing Fortner’s discovery of the damage to Monroe’s iconic Jean Louis gown that Kim Kardashian wore to the 2022 Met Gala.
Speaking with PEOPLE about Anderson’s big night — in June 2010, just over 15 years ago. Fortner recalled the arrangements for the actress to be a special guest at the event. While her appearance was kept quiet, even fewer people knew she’d be wearing something from Monroe’s personal collection.
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“It hadn’t been announced that she was showing up, let alone in Marilyn Monroe’s personal gowns, so it was a bit electrifying to see someone who was so famous in their own right pay homage,” Fortner shares.
“One bombshell paying homage to another, the one who really paved the way.”
Scott Fortner / @marilynmonroecollection
Loni Anderson poses at Marilyn Monroe exhibit in iconic actress’ dress
Fortner says it was a full-circle moment to see an actress known for her portrayal of Jayne Mansfield pay tribute to one of the women who paved the way for Mansfield.
“It’s interesting how it just kind of came full circle, that Loni had starred in The Jayne Mansfield Story and then came about at a completely different event, years later, paying respect to Marilyn as part of the exhibit opening,” he concluded.
Of Anderson’s demeanor that night, Fortner says the actress was “very warm and gracious and friendly, very outgoing.”
“She was just thrilled to be there and super excited about wearing Marilyn’s dress.”
Read the original article on People
