DiMaggio was a heavy smoker in his later years. On March 8, 1999, DiMaggio passed away from complications of lung cancer. He was 84 years old and reportedly said, “Now I get to see Marilyn” before he died. Many mourned the loss of DiMaggio and his legacy.
After his passing, the Yankees wore patches on their uniforms for the entire season to honor DiMaggio. They won their 25th World Series later that season. Even Bill Clinton said, “Today we lost one of the centuries most beloved heroes.” He gave Americans something to believe in.