In a victory for Marilyn Monroe fans, the iconic actress's mark on Los Angeles has been secured as her former home in Los Angeles is declared a historic cultural monument. Meanwhile, efforts to keep the towering "Forever Marilyn" statue in Palm Springs have gained momentum with a positive decision from the planning commission.

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to grant the historic designation to the Brentwood home where Monroe briefly resided and tragically died. The decision followed a heated debate over whether the house, located in the exclusive Brentwood neighborhood, should be demolished to allow for the expansion of the neighboring estate. The current owners, Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank, who bought the house for $8.35 million, had obtained a demolition permit but faced staunch opposition.

Council representative Traci Park emphasized the significance of Monroe and her Brentwood home, stating, "There's no other person or place in the city of Los Angeles as iconic as Marilyn Monroe." The council's decision ensures the preservation of Monroe's legacy within the city.

Monroe purchased the house for $75,000 and tragically passed away there on August 4, 1962, from an apparent overdose. The current owners argued that the house had undergone numerous renovations over the years, losing its historic value, and had become a neighborhood nuisance due to tourist traffic.

In Palm Springs, the fate of the "Forever Marilyn" statue hangs in the balance. Depicting Monroe in her famous billowing dress scene from "The Seven Year Itch," the 26-foot (8-meter) statue has been moved around various locations, including a previous stint in Palm Springs. The owners, a hotel industry group, are keen on keeping the statue permanently, despite opposition from some residents.

However, there is now hope for the statue to remain in Palm Springs as a technical decision by the planning commission supports its location. This positive development comes after previous discussions around the future of the statue. The final decision will now rest with the Palm Springs City Council.

The battle to preserve Marilyn Monroe's legacy continues, with both her historic home and the "Forever Marilyn" statue representing her enduring impact on popular culture. As fans celebrate the safeguarding of her Los Angeles home and eagerly await the outcome for the iconic statue in Palm Springs, Monroe's place in history remains firmly secured.