Part 13/15:
As she aged, Marion retreated from the Hollywood spotlight, eventually selling her beachfront estate. Her health declined after a series of hardships: a stroke in 1956, diagnosed cancer, and heart issues. In her final years, she struggled with alcohol addiction and poor health, leading to her death in 1961.
Despite her personal struggles, Marion’s legacy remains intertwined with Hollywood history. Her association with Hearst endowed her with some of the era’s most iconic mansions—many of which are now preserved as historical sites, museums, or private residences. The majestic structures, from castles to seaside villas, symbolize a bygone era of opulence and artistic fantasy.