Marilyn Nault, a name that became intertwined with the legend of Bill Russell, the NBA icon, had a quiet but significant presence in the life of one of basketball’s greatest players. Known for her marriage to Bill Russell, Marilyn Nault led a life that, despite its private nature, left a mark on both the sports world and beyond. This article explores Marilyn Nault’s biography, her life with Bill Russell, and her legacy after her untimely passing in 2009.
Early Life and Background
Marilyn Nault was born on January 15, 1950, in Concordia, Kansas. A small, midwestern town that would eventually give rise to a woman who would go on to marry one of the most celebrated athletes in history. Marilyn’s upbringing in Kansas was modest, and she had a typical childhood in the heart of the American Midwest. As she grew older, Marilyn’s life would take a significant turn, ultimately leading her to the man who would change her life.
Nault moved to Seattle, Washington, after finishing high school, where she pursued a career in retail. Specifically, she worked as a jewelry salesperson. This position would play a pivotal role in shaping her future. It was during her time working in Seattle that she would meet her future husband, the legendary NBA player Bill Russell. At the time, Russell was already known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, with a resume that included multiple NBA championships, All-Star appearances, and a reputation as an outspoken advocate for civil rights.
Meeting Bill Russell
Marilyn Nault met Bill Russell during the 1990s, while she was living in Seattle and working as a jewelry salesperson. Their connection was instant, and despite the age difference (Nault was nearly 16 years younger than Russell), their relationship blossomed quickly. At the time of their meeting, Russell had already experienced a successful career and had been married twice before. However, he found in Nault a partner who brought him peace and happiness away from the constant media attention that had followed him throughout his life.
Russell and Nault’s relationship was kept mostly out of the public eye, a choice that reflected their desire for privacy. While Russell had often been in the spotlight as an NBA star and civil rights activist, his marriage to Nault was notably more private. They were rarely seen together in the media, and this was in stark contrast to some of Russell’s earlier relationships, which had been more publicly scrutinized. The couple valued their time together and preferred to keep their personal lives private, enjoying each other’s company away from the prying eyes of the public.
Marriage to Bill Russell
Bill Russell and Marilyn Nault married in 1996, just days after Russell’s 66th birthday. At this point in his life, Russell had already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He had won 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and was well-known not only for his athletic prowess but also for his advocacy on issues such as race, equality, and civil rights. Marilyn, on the other hand, was less in the public eye but undoubtedly played a stabilizing role in his later years.
The couple shared a deep connection and lived a relatively quiet life, often traveling and spending time together. Their marriage was one of companionship and mutual respect, with Marilyn supporting Russell in all of his endeavors, both personal and professional. The couple traveled extensively during their time together, and it was clear that Marilyn played a vital role in Bill Russell’s life, offering him support and love in ways that complemented his busy, high-profile career.
For nine years, Marilyn and Bill shared a marriage that appeared to be filled with joy and contentment. Marilyn was by Russell’s side during a time when he began to take on other roles, such as working with charitable causes, and his life as a retired athlete continued to be impactful in other areas, such as mentoring young players and speaking on issues of social justice.
Marilyn Nault’s Battle with Cancer
Tragically, Marilyn Nault’s life was cut short when she passed away from cancer on January 21, 2009, just weeks before their ninth wedding anniversary. Her death was devastating for Bill Russell, who had lost his third wife after almost a decade of marriage. Nault’s passing marked a painful chapter in Russell’s life, and the loss had a profound effect on him.
Bill Russell was deeply affected by her death and took time away from the public eye to grieve. The loss of Marilyn not only impacted Russell on a personal level, but it also seemed to shift his approach to life. He dedicated much of his time and energy in the years following her passing to cancer research, inspired by his wife’s battle with the disease. His grief was compounded by the fact that they had planned to celebrate their anniversary just weeks before she died.
In the months following her death, Bill Russell received a tribute that was bittersweet. Former NBA commissioner David Stern reached out to Marilyn shortly before her death, informing her that the NBA Finals MVP award would be named after her husband. This tribute became one of the many ways in which the NBA and the broader basketball world acknowledged Bill Russell’s contribution to the game.
Life After Marilyn Nault
Bill Russell’s life after Marilyn Nault’s passing was marked by a period of reflection and personal growth. For several years, Russell stayed single, using this time to focus on his personal well-being and charitable endeavors. He also became a vocal advocate for cancer research, with many attributing his commitment to the cause to the loss of his wife. In fact, Russell’s participation in the Harold (and Carol) Pump Foundation, which raises funds for cancer research, became a notable part of his life after Nault’s death.
Russell’s post-marriage years were not without new beginnings. In 2018, at the age of 84, he remarried to Jeannine Fiorito, a former professional golfer. Despite this new chapter in his life, Marilyn Nault’s memory continued to linger. Russell’s life after Nault’s passing was one of advocacy, philanthropy, and reflection. He would occasionally speak about his late wife in interviews, always remembering her as an important part of his journey.
Marilyn Nault’s Legacy
Although Marilyn Nault lived much of her life away from the public eye, her impact on Bill Russell and his legacy cannot be understated. She played an essential role in his life during a time when he was transitioning out of his basketball career and into a new phase. Her love and support were instrumental in helping him navigate the challenges of retirement and the public spotlight. Marilyn’s death, though tragic, marked a turning point in Russell’s life, leading him to focus on causes close to his heart, including cancer research.
In her own right, Marilyn Nault was an accomplished woman who lived a life of grace and dignity. Her career as a jewelry salesperson and her dedication to her family painted a picture of someone who lived quietly but meaningfully. Her passing was a loss to all who knew her, and her memory continues to be cherished by those who were close to her, especially Bill Russell, whose life she shaped in many ways.
Conclusion
Marilyn Nault’s life may have been marked by her marriage to Bill Russell, but her legacy extends far beyond that. She was a loving wife, a supportive partner, and a woman who lived with grace and strength. Though her time on Earth was cut short, Marilyn Nault’s influence continues to be felt through the work she inspired in her husband and the love they shared during their time together. The story of Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell is one of love, loss, and legacy—a reminder that even those who prefer to stay out of the public eye can have a profound impact on the lives of others.
Get the latest updates and insights with discovertribune.
