Marilyn Nault was an American working as a jewelry salesperson who became famous as the third wife of Bill Russell, a legendary basketball player, and coach.
She was born on January 15, 1950, in Concordia, Kansas, and died on January 21, 2009, in Seattle, Washington, from cancer.
She was married to Russell from 2000 to 2009 and supported him in his career and philanthropy.
Biography of Marilyn Nault, the third wife of Bill Russell
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Marilyn Nault |
| Birth date | January 15, 1950 |
| Birthplace | Concordia, Kansas, USA |
| Death date | January 21, 2009 |
| Place of death | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Cause of death | Cancer |
| Family background | Only daughter of Quentin and Helen Nault, with four brothers: Phil, Eric, James, and Kyle. |
| Education | Attended a Catholic high school in her hometown. |
| Career | Jewelry salesperson |
| Spouse | Bill Russell, former NBA star and coach |
| Marriage date | February 17, 2000 |
| Age difference with husband | 16 years |
| Children | No children together, but Russell had three children from previous marriages: Karen, William Jr., and Jacob |
| Residence | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Philanthropy | Supported various causes, especially the fight against cancer |
| Legacy | Remembered as a loving wife, loyal friend, and generous person who left behind a legacy of love and courage |
| Russell’s dedication | Russell dedicated his life to finding a cure for cancer after her death |
| Honors and tributes | Had the NBA Finals MVP award named after him |
| Impact | Influenced the basketball community with her kindness and grace |
Early life, education and career
Marilyn Nault was the only daughter of Quentin and Helen Nault, who owned a jewelry store in Kansas.
She had four brothers: Phil, Eric, James, and Kyle.
She grew up in a devout Catholic family and attended a Catholic high school in her hometown.
After graduating, she moved to Seattle to pursue a career as a jewelry salesperson.
Marriage to Bill Russell
She met Bill Russell in 1996 at a jewelry store where she worked.
Russell was a former NBA star who played for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969.
He won 11 championships as a player and two more as a coach.
Russell was also a civil rights activist and a four-time Hall of Famer.
He was 16 years older than Nault and had been married twice before.
They dated for four years and got married on February 17, 2000, a few days after Russell’s 66th birthday.
The two had no children together but Russell had three children from his previous marriages: Karen, William Jr., and Jacob.
They lived in Seattle and enjoyed traveling around the world while also supporting various causes, especially the fight against cancer.
Marilyn Nault Cause of Death
Marilyn Nault died of cancer on January 21, 2009, at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle.
She was 59 years old.
Her death devastated Russell, who dedicated his life to finding a cure for the disease.
He partnered with the Harold (and Carol) Pump Foundation, which is committed to curing cancer.
He also received several honors and tributes after her death, including having the NBA Finals MVP award named after him.
Legacy and impact
Marilyn Nault is remembered by her family, friends, and fans as a loving wife, a loyal friend, and a generous person.
She inspired Russell to be a better man and a leader and also influenced the basketball community with her kindness and grace.
She left behind a legacy of love and courage that will live on forever.
Conclusion
Marilyn Nault was more than just the third wife of Bill Russell.
She was a remarkable woman who lived a full and meaningful life and touched the hearts of many people with her love, loyalty, and generosity.
She also left a lasting impact on the basketball world with her support and inspiration for her husband.
Marilyn was a true partner and a soulmate for Russell, who honored her memory by dedicating his life to finding a cure for cancer.
Her life and legacy are worth celebrating and remembering.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article about Marilyn Nault.
If you want to learn more about the biographies of your favorite personalities, please check out my other content.
You will find fascinating stories and insights about the lives of celebrities, athletes, leaders, and more.
