James Dougherty, the LA detective known as Marilyn Monroe's first husband has died at the age of 84

James Doherty, the last surviving husband of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, has died in California, at the age of 84, of complications of leukemia, according to his stepdaughter, Annie Woods of Sabattus, quoted by the Sun-Journal of Lewiston.

Dougherty married 16-year-old Norma Jeane Baker in 194. their marriage lasted for four years.

James Dougherty joined the Merchant Marine and eventually went to China, while Norma Jean Baker has been dreaming on Hollywood and soon changed her name to Marilyn Monroe. The Hollywood legend died in 1962.


Dougherty worked for the Los Angeles police department for 25 years, serving as a detective and training the department's first Special Weapons and Tactics group. After his retirement in 1974, he moved to Arizona and later to Maine, living in the small, rural town of Sabattus.

Dougherty, who was the subject of a documentary last year, "Marilyn's Man", has also written a book, published 8 years ago, titled "To Norma Jeane with Love, Jimmie."

Marilyn has also married legend Joe DiMaggio, who died in 1999, and playwright Arthur Miller, who died earlier this year.