A unique segment of the population is investing significant sums, often upwards of $200,000, for burial plots situated near their favorite celebrity idols. This trend, characterized by individuals seeking to spend eternity in the company of stars like Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and Celia Cruz, transforms parts of America's most famous cemeteries into exclusive final resting places.
Anthony Jabin, a tech investor, exemplified this phenomenon by purchasing a mausoleum crypt for $195,000 next to Marilyn Monroe's at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles. Jabin stated that the crypt offers a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend eternity with the most iconic actress of all time." He further noted that he sends Monroe flowers annually on her birthday, demonstrating a profound commitment to his chosen celebrity neighbor.
Cemeteries catering to this demand, such as Hollywood Forever in Los Angeles, report that proximity to celebrities is a significant factor for many families. Yogu Kanthiah, co-owner of Hollywood Forever, explained that being near a celebrity provides a "sense of connection to Hollywood history and culture." At Hollywood Forever's Garden of Legends, burial spaces start around $200,000 and can escalate to over $6 million for custom mausoleums. Noelle Berman, director of Private Estates at the cemetery, confirmed that requests for celebrity-adjacent plots are frequent, with many buyers securing their spots years in advance.
In New York, Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx and Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn have also become coveted burial grounds due to their famous residents. Woodlawn has historically attracted buyers by highlighting prominent figures like Admiral David Glasgow Farragut. More recently, the cemetery has seen increased interest in plots near its "Jazz Corner," where legends such as Duke Ellington and Miles Davis are interred. Marian Pardo and her husband, Michael Toonkel, purchased plots at Woodlawn specifically for their proximity to this area, citing their shared passion for jazz. A plot near "Jazz Corner" at Woodlawn can cost around $76,995, according to Lisa Ackerman, a senior advisor at the cemetery.
Geoffrey Dicker, an artist, purchased a niche for over $50,000 near Judy Garland at Hollywood Forever. Dicker cited Garland's iconic status and her role as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" as reasons for his choice, noting a personal connection to the film as an escape during his youth. Berman also highlighted that many older LGBTQ+ clients seek burial spots near Garland, as the phrase "friend of Dorothy" served as a coded identifier for the community during times when being openly gay was perilous.
The desire to be buried near notable figures is not a new phenomenon. Gene Newman, education director at Everplans, noted that for centuries, people have sought burial sites near saints, royalty, and military heroes. Today's celebrity graves, Newman suggests, are a modern iteration of this practice. He explained that these choices reflect how individuals wish to be remembered, with some seeking to elevate their status through association and others desiring a personal connection to admired figures, creating "a form of immortality."