Jim Young / Reuters

A 26-foot tall statue of Marilyn Monroe is separated into four pieces in Chicago on May 7, 2012.

NBC Chicago reports — A 40,000-pound, 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe's famous pose from "The Seven-Year Itch" was dismantled Monday night in preparation for the long drive to its new home in California.

The initially controversial "Forever Marilyn" creation by Seward Johnson was unveiled last July. She now heads to Palm Springs, where the actress was discovered by a Hollywood agent. 

Video: Late, insecure and easily offended — Memories of Marilyn

It's a bittersweet moment for some who viewed Monroe's iconic, skirt-billowing pose as sexist. One website, VirtualTourist.com, ranked her the worst piece of public art in the world.

Rare photos of Marilyn Monroe six weeks before her death

VirtualTourist also questioned why a likeness of the star's famous, New York City-based stance was placed in Chicago and said the towering, blown dress forced many to peer up at Marilyn's panties.

Marilyn's 'subway' dress sets new record at auction

The statue will be installed in Palm Springs by the end of May, where it is expected to stay in place until June 2013.

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Jim Young / Reuters

Jim Young / Reuters

Jim Young / Reuters

Slideshow: Rare look at Marilyn Monroe

A collection of photographs and memorabilia from Marilyn's longtime makeup artist, Allan "Whitey" Snyder," is set for auction.

Launch slideshow

The mask on the worker in the first frame really takes that image to the next level, doesn't it?

Scott Olson / Getty Images

Nick Valenza helps to put some finishing touches on ''Forever Marilyn'', a sculpture by Seward Johnson, on July 14, in Chicago. The stainless steel and aluminum sculpture which stands 26 feet tall and weighs 34,000 pounds will be unveiled tomorrow and remain on display in Chicago through the spring of 2012. The sculpture was inspired by Marilyn Monroe's iconic scene in the 1955 movie Seven Year Itch.

Scott Olson / Getty Images

Autin Wright helps to put some finishing touches on ''Forever Marilyn''.

Scott Olson / Getty Images

Nick Valenza helps to put some finishing touches on ''Forever Marilyn''.

Matty Zimmerman / AP

Marilyn Monroe poses over the updraft of a New York subway grating while in character for the filming of "The Seven Year Itch" in Manhattan on Sept. 9, 1954. Sensual and seductive, but with an air of innocence, Monroe became one of the world's most adored sex symbols.

According to the AP:

An auction for Hollywood memorabilia from Debbie Reynolds' personal collection exceeded expectations Saturday.

Marilyn Monroe's "subway" dress by Travilla from "The Seven Year Itch" had an estimated value of $1 million to $2 million. It sold for more than $5.6 million, a new record.

Judy Garland's Dorothy test dress from "The Wizard of Oz" was estimated to sell between $60,000 and $80,000. After taxes, it was sold for $1,119,000.

Dorothy's test ruby red slippers, which were estimated to sell between $120,000 and $150,000, went for $627,000 including tax.

To read more about the auction of Reynolds' collection and what other pieces sold for, click here.