Marilyn Nault was the third wife of Bill Russell, the former basketball player. They got married in 1996, and she remained married to Russell until her death in 2009.
Marilyn Nault was born on January 14, 1950 in Concordia, Kansas to Quentin and Helen Nault. She grew up in Kansas alongside her four brothers and received her education at Catholic elementary and secondary schools.
After graduating from high school, Nault moved to Seattle where she started working as a jewelry salesperson. It was during this time that she met Russell, and the couple tied the knot a few days after the NBA legend’s 66th birthday.
Marilyn was an accomplished businesswoman and a consultant. She worked as a senior vice president of Bank of America’s global custody division and also held leadership roles in various financial institutions. Marilyn was well-respected in the financial industry and was considered a trailblazer for women in the field.
Besides her professional achievements, Marilyn was also known for her philanthropic work. She was a member of various charitable organizations and supported causes related to education, health, and social justice. Marilyn was particularly passionate about issues affecting women and children.
Marilyn and Bill Russell shared a deep love and affection for each other. They were often spotted attending various events and public gatherings together. Marilyn was Russell’s rock during some of his most difficult times, including his battle with cancer. Her death in 2009 was a significant loss to Russell, and he spoke about her with deep fondness and admiration.
For the next nine years, the couple lived a private and contented life, frequently traveling and keeping a low profile. However, tragedy struck just a few weeks before Russell’s birthday and their ninth wedding anniversary, when Marilyn Nault Russell passed away from cancer on January 25, 2009.
A private funeral service was held in Seattle on January 26, 2009. The University of San Francisco released a statement upon her passing, offering their condolences to Bill Russell and the entire University community, saying “I join with the entire University community in offering Bill Russell our sympathy and condolences, along with our prayerful support at this moment of profound loss.”
The four wives of Bill Russell
Bill Russell was married to his first wife and college sweetheart, Rose Swisher, who is the mother of all three of his children. They tied the knot in 1956, but unfortunately, their marriage came to an end in 1973.
After his divorce from Rose, Russell went on to marry Dorothy Anstett, a former beauty queen who won the Miss USA pageant in 1968. However, their union was short-lived, and they parted ways after three years in 1980.
In 1996, Russell exchanged wedding vows with Marilyn Nault, his third wife. They remained together until her passing in 2009. Marilyn was a respected businesswoman and a philanthropist, and she was a great source of strength and support to Russell during some of his most challenging times.
At the time of his passing, Russell was married to his most recent wife, Jeannine.