Marilyn Nault was the third wife of basketball star Bill Russell. But she had her own life before marrying him. She worked hard, loved her family, and enjoyed a quiet life away from fame.
Marilyn and Bill had an interesting love story. They knew each other for many years before they fell in love. Their friendship slowly became a strong relationship. They enjoyed laughing, traveling, and spending quiet time together.
So, who was Marilyn Nault? In this article, we will learn about her childhood, family, work, and marriage. We will also look at her special bond with Bill Russell and the life they shared.
Marilyn Nault Quick Bio
| Full Name | Marilyn Nault Russell |
| Known As | Bill Russell’s third wife |
| Birthday | January 15, 1950 |
| Birthplace | Concordia, Kansas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Not publicly confirmed |
| Parents | Quentin and Helen Nault |
| Brothers | Phil, Kyle, James, Eric |
| Profession | Jewelry salesperson |
| Husband | Bill Russell |
| Marriage | February 17, 2000 |
| Children | None together |
| Stepchildren | William Jr., Jacob, Karen |
| Residence | Seattle area, Washington |
| Net Worth | Not publicly known |
| Death | January 21, 2009 |
| Age at Death | 59 years |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Death Place | Seattle, Washington |
| Legacy | Marilyn Nault Russell Scholarship |
Who Was Marilyn Nault?
Marilyn Nault was an American woman who worked in jewelry sales. She spent much of her adult life in Seattle, Washington. Most people came to know her after she married famous NBA star Bill Russell.
Marilyn was different from many people linked to famous stars. She did not try to become famous herself. She stayed away from the spotlight and kept much of her personal life private.
People close to Marilyn remembered her as funny and kind. She had a quick sense of humor and enjoyed making people smile. Her family also remembered her as a caring and giving person.
Marilyn Nault’s Early Life
Marilyn Nault was born on January 15, 1950, in Concordia, Kansas. She grew up there with her family. Her early years were simple and far away from the world of famous sports stars.
Marilyn went to Catholic schools in Concordia. She spent her childhood and teen years in Kansas. At that time, she had no idea that she would one day marry one of basketball’s biggest stars.
After high school, Marilyn made a big choice. She left Kansas and moved to Seattle, Washington. Seattle later became an important place in her life, work, and relationship with Bill Russell.
Marilyn Nault’s Parents and Siblings
Marilyn was the daughter of Quentin and Helen Nault. She grew up in a large family. She had four brothers, so there were plenty of people around her during her childhood.
Her brothers were Phil, Kyle, James, and Eric. Marilyn stayed connected to her family as she grew older. Her family background was an important part of who she was.
Later, Marilyn was remembered as much more than Bill Russell’s wife. She was also a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. The people who knew her remembered her warm heart and funny nature.
Marilyn Nault’s Career in Seattle
After moving to Seattle, Marilyn Nault worked as a jewelry salesperson. She built her own working life before becoming Bill Russell’s wife. Her career also played a part in how she came to know him.
Marilyn once made a funny joke about her job. She said a jewelry store was not a great place to meet a man. Most men entering the store were there to buy something for another woman.
Still, life had other plans. Through her life in Seattle, Marilyn came to know Bill Russell. Their connection did not turn into love right away. Instead, they became friends and stayed that way for many years.
How Did Marilyn Nault Meet Bill Russell?
Bill Russell lived in the Seattle area after his basketball career. Marilyn came to know him through her work in jewelry. However, there was no fast love story between them.
Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell knew each other for more than 20 years before becoming a couple. They had plenty of time to learn about each other. Their long friendship later became the base of their love.
Around 1995, something changed. Bill’s secretary died, and Marilyn offered to help him with his work. They began spending more time together. Soon, their old friendship started turning into love.
Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell’s Love Story
Marilyn and Bill had a simple love story. They did not need big public events to enjoy being together. Marilyn helped Bill with daily work and slowly became an important part of his home life.
She also learned about Bill’s habits. He liked watching TV late at night. His home had a grandfather clock that made noise. These little things became normal parts of their life together.
The couple loved to laugh. Bill reportedly tried to make Marilyn laugh every day. They also enjoyed long car trips together. Their love grew through jokes, travel, friendship, and simple time spent together.
When Did Marilyn Nault Marry Bill Russell?
There is some confusion about their wedding year. Some reports say they married in 1996. However, Marilyn’s obituary gives the clear date of February 17, 2000.
Marilyn had recently turned 50 when they married. Bill had just turned 66. They already knew each other very well by this point because their friendship had started many years earlier.
Marilyn Nault became Bill Russell’s third wife. They stayed married until Marilyn died in 2009.
Did Marilyn Nault Have Children?
Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell did not have children together. But Bill already had three children from his first marriage. He had two sons and one daughter.
Their names were William Jr., Jacob, and Karen Russell. Marilyn became part of Bill’s family after their marriage. She kept this part of her life very private.
Not much is known about Marilyn’s bond with Bill’s children. She did not talk about family matters in public. This helped her keep a quiet life away from the news.
Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell’s Married Life
Marilyn and Bill enjoyed a simple life together. Bill was a very famous basketball star. Still, the couple did not spend all their time at big public events.
They loved going on long trips by car. They also traveled to many places together. These trips gave them time to talk, laugh, relax, and enjoy each other’s company.
Laughter was a big part of their marriage. Bill tried to make Marilyn laugh every day. This small habit tells us a lot about their love. They were husband and wife, but they were also close friends.
Marilyn Nault’s Cancer and Death
Sadly, Marilyn Nault died on January 21, 2009. She died at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. She had turned 59 only six days before her death.
Bill later said that Marilyn had cancer. Her death was very hard for him. He loved her deeply and said losing her changed his life.
After Marilyn died, Bill often thought about their happy times. He remembered their jokes and trips together. These simple memories helped show how much their years together meant to him.
How Marilyn Nault Changed Bill Russell’s Life
Bill spoke with great love about Marilyn Nault after she died. He said she was a great gift from God. Losing her left him with deep pain.
Bill also shared funny stories about Marilyn. During one trip, she asked him to clean her glasses. When she put them back on, she made a funny joke about seeing him clearly again.
Stories like this show the fun side of their marriage. Marilyn could make Bill smile and laugh. Their love was built on friendship, trust, jokes, and many years of knowing each other.
Bill Russell’s Fight Against Cancer
After Marilyn died, cancer became a very personal subject for Bill. He supported the Harold & Carole Pump Foundation, a group that helps raise money to fight cancer.
Bill was also given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the group in 2009. His support had a special meaning because cancer had taken Marilyn from him.
Cancer later brought more sadness to Bill’s family. His son William Jr. also died from cancer in 2016. Bill knew how much pain this disease could bring to a family.
Marilyn Nault’s Special NBA Story
A few weeks before Marilyn died, she learned some big news. NBA leader David Stern told her that an important basketball award would be named after Bill Russell.
Marilyn kept the news secret from Bill. In 2009, the award became the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award. It was a huge honor for his basketball career.
The moment was also sad for Bill. Marilyn knew about the special plan, but she died before she could enjoy the big moment with him. This made the honor even more personal.
Final Thoughts
Marilyn’s name also became part of a program that helped young people. Bill later talked about the Marilyn Nault Russell Scholarship for children in Boston.
This was a beautiful way to keep her name alive. Marilyn never tried to become famous. Still, her name became linked with helping young people build a better future.
Bill continued to remember Marilyn as a close friend. This says a lot about their bond. Their love started with friendship, and that friendship stayed important throughout their life together.
(FAQs)
How did Marilyn Nault die?
Marilyn Nault died from cancer on January 21, 2009. She died in a hospital in Seattle. She was only 59 years old.
How old was Marilyn Nault?
Marilyn Nault was born on January 15, 1950. She died six days after her 59th birthday, on January 21, 2009.
What was Marilyn Nault’s net worth?
Marilyn Nault’s exact net worth is not known. She worked as a jewelry seller for many years. There is no trusted record of her personal wealth.
Where is Marilyn Nault today?
Marilyn Nault is not alive today. She died in 2009. Before her death, she lived in the Seattle area with her husband, Bill Russell.
What was Marilyn Nault’s ethnicity and nationality?
Marilyn Nault was American. She was born in Kansas, United States. Her exact ethnic background was not clearly shared in trusted public records.
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