Bill Russell was a legendary American professional basketball player who played in the NBA. Bill passed away on July 31, 2022. His death brought about renewed interest in his life, especially his marriages. One of those marriages was to Marilyn Nault.
Marilyn was famous for being Bill Russell’s third wife. But while her husband is a household name in the sports industry, there is little information about her. Here’s what we know about Marilyn Nault.
Who Was Marilyn Nault?
Marilyn was born in Concordia, Cloud County, Kansas, United States, on January 15, 1960. She was the only daughter of Quentin and Helen Nault and was raised alongside four brothers, Phil, Eric, James, and Kyle Nault. Her father owned a jewelry store in Kansas and passed away in 1987.
Marilyn was raised in a deeply religious family. Her parents followed the Catholic faith, and she attended a Catholic high school in Kansas. However, she did not go to college, instead choosing to find work after finishing high school.
After high school, she relocated to Seattle and worked as a jewelry salesperson. During that time, she met Bill, and they got married days after the NBA legend’s 66th birthday.
The two lived happily over the next nine years and frequently traveled until Marilyn’s untimely passing in 2009. She died from cancer a few weeks before Bill’s birthday and their thirteenth wedding anniversary.
Bill revealed in an interview that former NBA commissioner David Stern called Marilyn a few weeks before her death to inform her that he named the Finals MVP award after her husband. Her passing affected Bill’s approach to life, and he stayed single for several years.
Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell’s Marriage
Marilyn Nault was married to the world-famous basketball player Bill Russell. The two met at a jewelry store where she was working. However, they did not get together immediately; instead, they developed a friendship that lasted several years.
After Bill’s second marriage ended, the two got closer, especially after Marilyn started helping him with various tasks. She was also an outstanding dominoes player, which impressed him. As they spent more and more time together, their relationship blossomed into romance, which led to a marriage in 1996.
Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell mostly kept a low profile for the duration of their marriage. However, Marilyn usually accompanied Bill for a few public appearances, such as basketball games and dinner events. They had no kids together, but she was a step-mom to Bill’s three children from his first marriage.
These are Karen Kenyatta Russell, William Russell Jr., and Jacob Russell. The two also traveled around the world around the word quite a lot and led a blissful life. But, sadly, after a little more than a decade of marriage, their relationship was cut short when Marilyn died.
How Did Marilyn Nault Die?
Marilyn Nault died from cancer, as mentioned in different reports, while some suspect the reason for her death was something else. However, her family did not reveal the reason for her death.
According to the Seattle Times, she was survived by her husband, mother Helen Nault; her four brothers, Phil, Kyle, James, and Eric; a niece and nephew; four grandnieces; step-children Karen, Jacob, and Sara; four step-grandchildren and many other friends and family Marilyn will be remembered for her quick wit and generous spirit.
Marilyn touched many lives with her warm friendliness and genuine interest in their lives. Her death saddened Bill Russell, and it changed how to choose to live. Losing his wife changed Bill’s approach to life, and he decided not to reveal the reason for his wife’s death due to shock and grief.
Bill Russell’s Life Following Marilyn Nault’s Death
After Marilyn died, Bill did not take a wife for nine years until 2018, when he married Jeannine Russell. Jeannine was his last wife before he passed away on July 31, 2022. Jeanine was seen on most of Bill Russell’s social media handles.
Bill’s first marriage was to his college sweetheart, Rose Swisher, with the couple tying the knot in 1956. Unfortunately, they grew distant over time, leading to a divorce in 1973. After Swisher, Bill married former model Dorothy Anstett in 1977, but the marriage was short-lived, with the couple divorcing in 1980.
