Marilyn certainly was a once in a blue moon person. Her tragic life, combined with the influence she had on many women and on popular culture as a whole still remains to this day. Her dream to be successful came true, but it was marred with her depression and addiction to anti-depressants, proving that money and fame do not make happiness.
I really do feel sorry for her. I mean, it was her dream from childhood, and she worked hard for it, but due to terrible circumstances her dream was ruined to some extent. She couldn't even enjoy it after all of her hard work. :/
Also, the circumstances surrounding her death are quite mysterious and have inspired a lot of conspiracy theories, some of which are quite believable. Her dream was always to be the first lady of the USA, and her supposed affair with the president, followed by her final call to him before her death makes it all the more suspicious.
Anywho, i'll always remember her as the wonderful woman with a dream who worked hard to get her dream and managed to influence the world at the same time.
By the way, if you haven't already, read the play- "Blood Brothers". There are a lot of references to her in there, and a lot of life similarities/cross referencing during the book's plot and the circumstances of her life.