Celebrity
Marilyn Nault: Everything About Bill Russell’s Third Wife
Marilyn Nault was best known as the third wife of NBA star Bill Russell. She lived a quiet life away from fame. Her love story with Russell touched many hearts. They shared years of love and joy before her sad death.
She was born in Kansas and later moved to Seattle. There she worked as a jewelry seller. Her job led her to meet Bill Russell. What began as a simple friendship grew into a close and loving bond.
But who was Marilyn Nault before she met the basketball star? What made their love story so special? In this article we will explore her early life and family. We will also look at her career and marriage.
Marilyn Nault Quick Bio
| Full Name | Marilyn Ruth Nault Russell |
| Known As | Marilyn Nault |
| Born | January 15 1950 |
| Birthplace | Concordia Kansas USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Father | Quentin G. Nault |
| Mother | Helen Nault |
| Siblings | Four brothers |
| Brothers | Phil Eric James Kyle |
| Education | Catholic schools |
| Profession | Jewelry salesperson |
| Famous For | Bill Russell’s third wife |
| Husband | Bill Russell |
| Married | February 17 2000 |
| Children | None |
| Stepchildren | William Jr. Jacob Karen |
| Death | January 21 2009 |
| Age at Death | 59 years |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Deathplace | Seattle Washington USA |
| Height | Not known |
| Net Worth | Not known |
Who Was Marilyn Nault?
Marilyn Nault was an American jewelry seller. She became famous after marrying Bill Russell. He was one of the greatest players in NBA history. Yet Marilyn liked a simple life and did not seek fame or public attention.
She was born on January 15 in 1950. Her full name was Marilyn Ruth Nault Russell. She grew up in Kansas before moving to Seattle. She worked hard and built her own life long before meeting her famous husband.
Marilyn became Bill Russell’s third wife in 2000. Their marriage lasted until her death in 2009. She was 59 years old when she died. Today many people still want to learn about her life and their love story.
Marilyn Nault’s Early Life
Marilyn Nault was born in Concordia in Kansas. She spent her early years in a small town with her family. Her childhood was far from the bright lights of sports fame. She enjoyed a simple and private upbringing.
She grew up in a Catholic home. Her parents taught her the value of family and faith. She went to Catholic schools in Kansas. These early years helped shape her life before she moved away from home.
As a young girl Marilyn lived with her parents and four brothers. She was the only daughter in the family. Her early life was not widely shared with the public. Most details came from family stories after her death.
Marilyn Nault’s Parents and Family
Marilyn was the daughter of Quentin G. Nault and Helen Nault. Her father owned a jewelry store in Kansas. This family business later played a part in her own career. She followed a path much like her father.
She grew up with four brothers named Phil and Eric plus James and Kyle. Her family shared a close bond. They spent their early years together in Kansas. Her father sadly passed away in 1987.
Marilyn kept much of her family life private. She did not often speak about her childhood in public. Even after marrying a famous sports star she stayed close to her roots. Family remained an important part of her story.
Marilyn Nault’s Education and Career
Marilyn Nault went to Catholic schools in her hometown. She finished high school in Kansas. After school she chose to start working instead of going to college. She wanted to build a life and earn her own money.
She later moved to Seattle in Washington. There she found work as a jewelry salesperson. Her father had worked in the same field. This gave Marilyn a link to the family business she had known while growing up.
Her job changed her life in a way she never expected. It was at the jewelry store that she first met Bill Russell. She also helped him with work tasks later. Their friendship slowly became something much deeper.
How Did Marilyn Nault Meet Bill Russell?
Marilyn Nault first met Bill Russell at a jewelry store in Seattle. She worked there as a salesperson. Russell came into the store as a customer. At first they did not know that this meeting would change their lives.
The two stayed friends for many years. They did not start dating right away. In 1995 Russell lost his secretary. Marilyn offered to help him with his work. This brought them closer and gave them more time together.
Their friendship slowly grew into love. They enjoyed talking and spending time with each other. Russell also liked Marilyn’s skill at dominoes. Their bond was built on trust and laughter. Soon they became more than just good friends.
Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell’s Love Story
Marilyn and Bill Russell began their love story after years of friendship. They had known each other for a long time. Their close bond helped them understand each other. They enjoyed simple moments and shared many happy days together.
The couple married on February 17 in 2000. Bill had just turned 66 while Marilyn was 50. Their wedding marked a new part of their lives. They chose to keep most details of their marriage away from public attention.
Bill loved Marilyn deeply and often spoke about her with great care. He tried to make her laugh every day. Their love was full of fun and friendship. They remained married until Marilyn sadly passed away in 2009.
Marilyn Nault’s Married Life With Bill Russell
Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell enjoyed a quiet life together. They lived in the Seattle area and spent much of their time at home. They did not need big parties or fancy events to enjoy their marriage.
The couple loved taking long car trips. They liked seeing new places and spending time together. Bill also enjoyed watching TV late at night. Marilyn soon got used to his habits and their life as a married couple.
One sweet part of their marriage was laughter. Bill tried to make Marilyn laugh at least once each day. This small act showed how much he cared for her. Their home was filled with love and happy moments.
Did Marilyn Nault Have Any Children?
Marilyn Nault did not have any children of her own. She and Bill Russell had no children together during their marriage. But Bill was already a father of three children from his first marriage to Rose Swisher.
His children were William Russell Jr. and Jacob Russell and Karen Kenyatta Russell. William Jr. was born in 1957. Jacob was born in 1959. Karen was born in 1962 and later became a lawyer and writer.
Marilyn became a stepmother to Bill’s three children. She was also part of a family with grandchildren. Her own life stayed private so little is known about her bond with each child. Still she had a place in the Russell family.
Marilyn Nault’s Personality and Interests
Marilyn was known for her kind heart and warm smile. She enjoyed making people laugh and feel welcome. Those who knew her spoke about her friendly nature. She liked simple things and did not seek public fame.
She also loved to travel with her husband. Long drives were one of their favorite ways to spend time. They could talk and laugh while seeing new places. These trips gave them many good memories over the years.
Marilyn Nault also enjoyed family time and close friendships. She was good at playing dominoes and shared this interest with Bill. Her life was not about money or fame. She found joy in the people she loved.
Marilyn Nault’s Cause of Death
Marilyn Nault died on January 21 in 2009. She was 59 years old. She passed away at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. Her death came just six days after her birthday and left her loved ones in deep pain.
The cause of her death was cancer. She had been fighting the illness before she passed away. Bill Russell later spoke about how much her death hurt him. He said cancer had taken away someone very special to him.
Her family held a private Catholic funeral in Seattle. Marilyn was also reported to have been buried at Lake View Cemetery. Her death ended nearly nine years of marriage. Bill was left with many memories of their happy life.
How Bill Russell Remembered Marilyn Nault
Bill Russell never forgot the love he shared with Marilyn. Her death was one of the hardest times in his life. He spoke about her with deep sadness and love. He knew their time together had been special.
After her death Bill supported the Harold and Carole Pump Foundation. The group helps raise money for cancer research. He wanted to help others facing the same illness. This work became one way to honor Marilyn’s memory.
Marilyn also knew about a special NBA award before Bill did. David Stern told her that the Finals MVP award would carry Bill’s name. She kept it a secret. Sadly she died before the award was renamed in 2009.
Bill later spoke about how much that honor meant to him. He also shared memories of Marilyn during interviews. A scholarship was named after her to help young people in Boston. Her name continued to bring hope to others.
Final Thoughts
Marilyn Nault lived a life filled with love and family. She was not a sports star or a famous actress. Yet she became an important part of Bill Russell’s life. Their story still touches readers in 2026.
Her life began in Kansas where she grew up with her parents and brothers. She later moved to Seattle and worked in jewelry sales. That job helped her meet the man who would become her husband and close friend.
Marilyn died in 2009 but her memory lived on through Bill Russell. He later passed away on July 31 in 2022 at age 88. Their years together remain a touching part of his life away from basketball.
Marilyn’s story shows how much love can mean in someone’s life. She brought joy and laughter to a man known around the world. Today she is remembered not just as Bill Russell’s third wife but as a caring woman.
Her life was short but it left a lasting mark on those around her. Marilyn Nault will always be part of Bill Russell’s story. Their love reminds us that the best moments in life often come from simple things.
(FAQs)
What was Marilyn Nault’s cause of death?
Marilyn Nault died from cancer. She was sick before her death. Her husband Bill Russell was very sad and later helped raise money for cancer research.
When did Marilyn Nault die?
Marilyn Nault died on January 21 in 2009. She passed away at a hospital in Seattle. Her death came just six days after her birthday.
How old was Marilyn Nault when she died?
Marilyn Nault was 59 years old when she died. She was born on January 15 in 1950 in Kansas. She died in 2009.
How tall was Marilyn Nault?
Marilyn Nault’s exact height is not known. She kept her personal life private. There is no trusted public record of her height.
Did Marilyn Nault have any children?
No. Marilyn Nault had no children of her own. But she was a stepmother to Bill Russell’s three children named William Jr. and Jacob and Karen.
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