The final day of John Lennon‘s life began with a delightful breakfast at Café La Fortuna alongside his wife, Yoko Ono, with whom he had shared 11 years of marriage. Following their meal, he visited Viz-à-Viz for a fresh haircut. The couple then returned to their residence at the Dakota, the iconic building located on Central Park West where they had resided since 1973. There, they participated in a personal photo session with renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, who was capturing intimate moments of the couple for an upcoming feature in Rolling Stone.

During the photo shoot, Leibovitz described how Lennon greeted her at the door wearing a striking black leather jacket, his hair slicked back in a style reminiscent of his early days with the Beatles. “I was thrown a little bit by it. He had that early Beatle look,” she reminisced in an interview with Smithsonian Magazine. The distinctive fashion choice evoked a sense of nostalgia and highlighted the enduring impact of his musical legacy.

Although Jann Wenner, the editor-in-chief of Rolling Stone, had intended for Leibovitz to capture a solo portrait of Lennon, the legendary musician was adamant about including his partner in the shoot. “I want to be with her,” he expressed to Leibovitz, emphasizing the profound bond they shared as a couple and collaborators.

The resulting photograph became an iconic representation of their relationship, showcasing a completely naked Lennon curled protectively around a fully clothed Ono, who chose to remain dressed. They posed together on the luxurious white carpet of their living room, a striking visual that encapsulated their unique dynamic and love for one another.

Reflecting on the session years later, Leibovitz recalled peeling the Polaroid and Lennon’s reaction to the image. “This is it. This is our relationship,” he remarked, highlighting the authenticity and depth of their connection. Instead of serving as the cover image for the anticipated spread promoting their album Double Fantasy, this powerful photograph ultimately graced the cover of the January 22, 1981, tribute issue dedicated to Lennon following his tragic passing.