Marilyn Nault: Bill Russell's Third Wife and God's 'Great Gift' to Him

Marilyn Nault, basketball star Bill Russell's third wife, left an enduring mark on her husband's career before passing in 2009. Apart from that, doses of laughter played a crucial role throughout their marriage.

Bill Russell was regarded as one of the most prominent athletes in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Despite his multiple marriages, it was his time with his then-wife, Marilyn Nault, that held the most cherished memories.

Although Marilyn's personal life remained relatively private, the former Boston Celtics star frequently recounted stories about her, ensuring that her influence on his life would always be remembered.

Marilyn Met Her Future Husband At Work

Marilyn was born on January 15, 1950, in Concordia, Kansas, to parents Quentin and Helen Nault. She grew up with four brothers: Phil, Kyle, James, and Eric.

She relocated to Seattle after completing high school in Concordia and worked as a jewelry salesperson. Meanwhile, her future husband arrived in Seattle in 1973, and it was at the very store where Marilyn worked that they eventually met.

The circumstances of their meeting seemed uncertain. She remarked that working in a jewelry store was the "worst place" to meet a man, as most male customers who came to the store were buying it for other women.

It was only during the death of the basketball star's secretary in 1995 that Marilyn reconnected with the athlete. She volunteered to help him with his work. After over two decades, they realized their profound love for each other.

She lived with him in his house, where she grew accustomed to the sound of the chiming grandfather clock and his late-night TV habits. Bill making Marilyn laugh at least once a day was also part of their arrangement.

The pair also shared a penchant for long car trips. Although details about their marriage remain unclear, the couple reportedly tied the knot in 1996.

Marilyn Passed Away After A Battle With Cancer

Marilyn died at a hospital in Seattle, Washington, on January 21, 2009, at age 59. According to the basketball pro, it was cancer that ultimately killed her, and he noted this disease as his "mortal enemy." Marilyn's husband added:

"She was the great gift that God gave me and cancer took that away. I'm wounded by that. I'll never be the same."

He admitted that he gets sad whenever he hears the word "cancer." Despite that, he reminisced the joyful times they had, recalling a funny moment during a trip when she handed him her glasses to clean. When she wore her glasses, she playfully said, "My God, you're black."

Following his wife's passing, he supported the Harold & Carole Pump Foundation due to its dedication to cancer research. In the same year his wife died, this organization also honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award alongside Magic Johnson.

In 2001, he released his biography "Russell Rules," dedicated to his late wife, whom he called his "best friend." The book provided insights, memories, and the essentials of success in every facet of his life.

In a 2013 interview, he recalled that they had a mentorship program with the Red Sox baseball team. In this program, they named a scholarship after Marilyn for the children in Boston.

Marilyn Knew That Her Husband Would Be Named After An Award

A few weeks before her passing, then-NBA commissioner David Stern called and informed her that a special award would be named after her husband.

She and Stern kept the news under wraps until the day her husband attended the event. The award, previously known as the "Final MVP," was officially renamed the "Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award."

Marilyn's former partner found the moment bittersweet, having lost a "special person" in his life. Nevertheless, the gesture deeply moved him, as it was the "nicest" moment to happen to him and his family, which served as a testament to his successful career.

Sadly, in 2022, Marilyn's husband died at the age of 88. He was not only a highly influential NBA player, but he also gained fame for his significant involvement in civil rights issues.

Aside from his and Marilyn's union, he married three other women. He married his first wife, Rose Swisher, in 1956, and they welcomed three children: Bill Jr., Jacob, and Karen.

He exchanged vows with his second wife, Dorothy Ansett, in 1977. He tied the knot with his fourth and last wife, former professional golfer Jeannine Fiorito, in 2016.