Of all the hundreds of millions — if not billions — of times "Happy Birthday" has been sung throughout all of human history, no rendition is arguably more iconic than Marilyn Monroe's rendition of the song at President John F. Kennedy's 45th birthday. 

On May 19, 1962, Monroe took the stage of New York City's Madison Square Garden with a treat for her as-yet-rumored lover. Clad in a flesh-toned, sparkly gown, She delivered a seductive and breathy version of the celebratory tune. 

"I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way," Kennedy reportedly said later in the evening. 

From cake decor to Monroe in the midst of her "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" performance, here is the story of President John F. Kennedy's 1962 birthday party in photos.