Marilyn Nault is best remembered as the third wife of NBA legend Bill Russell, but her life had a story of its own long before she became connected to one of basketball’s greatest players. Born in Concordia, Kansas, Marilyn later moved to Seattle, where she worked as a jewellery salesperson.
Her career reportedly played an important role in bringing her and Russell together, and their friendship eventually developed into a lasting relationship. Unlike her famous husband, Marilyn preferred a quiet life and rarely sought public attention.
She and Bill had no children together, although she became a stepmother to his three children from his first marriage.
Their years together continued until Marilyn died from cancer in January 2009 at the age of 59. Her death brought a deeply personal chapter of Russell’s life to an end.
This article explores Marilyn Nault’s early life, parents, siblings, career, marriage to Bill Russell, family life, death, and lasting legacy.
Early Life, Family, Education, and Career as a Jewellery Salesperson
Marilyn Nault was born on January 15, 1950, in Concordia, Kansas, where she grew up in a close family as the only daughter of Quentin G. Nault and Helen Nault. She was raised alongside her four brothers, Phil, Eric, James, and Kyle. Her family followed the Catholic faith, and Marilyn attended a Catholic school in Kansas.
Her father was involved in the jewellery business, which later influenced her own career path. After finishing high school, Marilyn did not attend college and instead chose to begin working. She eventually left Kansas and moved to Seattle, Washington, where she found work as a jewellery salesperson.
Her experience in the jewellery business gave her an independent life before she became known as Bill Russell’s wife. It was also through this line of work that Marilyn reportedly first met Russell when he visited the jewellery store where she worked.
She later assisted him with secretarial and accounting tasks, bringing them closer before their friendship developed into a romantic relationship.
Personal Life: Meeting, Relationship, and Marriage
Marilyn Nault met Bill Russell in Seattle while she was working as a jewellery salesperson. Their connection did not immediately turn into romance, as they first developed a friendship and became closer over time.
Marilyn later helped Russell with secretarial work, accounting, and other everyday tasks, which allowed them to spend more time together. She was also said to be an excellent dominoes player, something Russell enjoyed and admired about her.
Their friendship eventually became a romantic relationship during the 1990s. Marilyn and Bill married on February 17, 2000, shortly after Russell celebrated his 66th birthday. Marilyn was 50 at the time.
Their marriage was quiet and private, although Marilyn sometimes joined her husband at basketball events, dinners, and other public occasions. They also enjoyed travelling together and were described as close companions.
Their marriage lasted nearly nine years, ending with Marilyn’s death in January 2009. Bill Russell later remembered this period as an important part of his personal life.
Family Life With Bill Russell and His Children
Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell did not have any children together, but Marilyn became a stepmother to Russell’s three children from his first marriage to Rose Swisher: William Felton Russell Jr., Jacob Russell, and Karen Kenyatta Russell.
Marilyn and Bill shared a close and mostly private life, enjoying travel, time together, and occasional public events. Karen Russell reportedly described them as a loving couple, and Bill was known for trying to make Marilyn laugh every day.
Marilyn’s husband was one of basketball’s greatest figures. Bill Russell played 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, won 11 NBA championships, earned five NBA MVP awards, and later became the first Black head coach to win an NBA championship.
Before Marilyn, Russell was married to his college sweetheart, Rose Swisher, from 1956 to 1973, and to former Miss USA Dorothy Anstett from 1977 to 1980. After Marilyn died in 2009, Russell later married Jeannine Russell, who remained his wife until he died in 2022.
Marilyn Nault’s Private Life, Final Years, Death, and Legacy
Marilyn Nault lived a quiet and private life, even after marrying one of the most famous players in basketball history. She rarely spoke publicly about herself and was better known for supporting Bill Russell than seeking attention of her own.
Marilyn’s personal net worth was never publicly reported, although she earned money earlier in life as a jewellery salesperson and later shared a comfortable life with Russell. Her final years became difficult when she developed cancer, an illness the couple largely kept private.
Marilyn died on January 21, 2009, at the age of 59 in Seattle, Washington. Cancer has been widely reported as her cause of death. Her family held a private funeral, and she was laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery in Seattle.
After losing Marilyn, Russell continued making public appearances and supporting charitable causes, including efforts connected with cancer research. He later married Jeannine Russell and remained with her until he died in 2022.
Marilyn’s legacy remains closely connected to Russell, but she is also remembered as a devoted wife, family member, and hardworking woman who valued love, companionship, and privacy over fame.
Conclusion
Marilyn Nault lived much of her life away from fame, but her marriage to NBA legend Bill Russell brought lasting interest in her story. Born and raised in Kansas, she later moved to Seattle and built a career as a jewellery salesperson before meeting Russell.
Their friendship slowly developed into a loving relationship, and they remained close companions throughout their marriage. Although they had no children together, Marilyn became a stepmother to Russell’s three children.
She preferred privacy and continued to live quietly despite her husband’s worldwide recognition. Her life ended on January 21, 2009, after a battle with cancer.
While Marilyn Nault is often remembered as Bill Russell’s third wife, her story also reflects her strong family roots, working background, and preference for a simple and private life. Years after her death, she remains an important part of the personal history of one of basketball’s greatest legends.
FAQs
Who was Marilyn Nault?
Marilyn Nault was an American jewellery salesperson best known as the third wife of NBA legend Bill Russell. She was born in Concordia, Kansas, and later moved to Seattle, where she worked and eventually met Russell.
When did Marilyn Nault marry Bill Russell?
Marilyn Nault married Bill Russell on February 17, 2000. The couple had known each other for several years before marrying. They remained together for nearly nine years, until Marilyn died in January 2009.
Did Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell have children?
Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell did not have biological children together. However, Marilyn became stepmother to Russell’s three children from his first marriage to Rose Swisher: William Felton Russell Jr., Jacob Russell, and Karen Kenyatta Russell.
What did Marilyn Nault do for a living?
Marilyn Nault worked as a jewellery salesperson after moving from Kansas to Seattle. She reportedly met Bill Russell through her work and later helped him with secretarial, accounting, and other administrative tasks before they became romantically involved.
What was Marilyn Nault’s cause of death?
Marilyn Nault died on January 21, 2009, at the age of 59. Cancer has been widely reported as her cause of death. She had kept her illness private and was later buried in Seattle, Washington.
What was Marilyn Nault’s net worth?
Marilyn Nault’s personal net worth was never publicly established. She earned money through her jewellery career before marrying Bill Russell. Russell later accumulated considerable wealth through basketball, coaching, broadcasting, books, and other professional activities.
Iq Intelligent
