The Untold Story of Marilyn Nault and Her Bond with Bill Russell

Marilyn Nault was not a celebrity, not a star on TV, and not a name most people would recognize — but she played a very special role in the life of one of basketball’s biggest legends, Bill Russell. She was his third wife, his best friend, and someone who gave him peace, laughter, and love in his later years.

In this article, we’re going to explore the full story of Marilyn Nault. We’ll look at where she came from, how she met Bill Russell, how their love grew, and what happened to her. You’ll also learn how she quietly made a big difference in the life of a man who had already won 11 NBA championships. Let’s begin.

Early Life of Marilyn Nault

Marilyn Nault was born on January 15, 1950, in Concordia, Kansas. It was a small town where life was simple and close to nature. She grew up in a warm and loving family. Her parents were Quentin and Helen Nault, and she had four brothers named Phil, James, Kyle, and Eric.

As a child, Marilyn was known to be kind, thoughtful, and full of life. She lived a regular life — went to school, made friends, and enjoyed being around her family. After finishing high school in Concordia, she decided to move away and start fresh in a bigger city. That city was Seattle, Washington, and it would change her life forever.

Marilyn Nault’s Work and Career Before Fame

When Marilyn moved to Seattle, she began working as a jewelry salesperson. It wasn’t a fancy job, but it was something she enjoyed. She liked talking to people and helping them find something special — whether it was a ring, a necklace, or a gift for someone they loved.

Funny enough, Marilyn once joked that working in a jewelry store was the worst place to meet a man — because most men who came in were buying jewelry for someone else. But little did she know, this very job would lead her to someone who would change her life completely: Bill Russell.

At the time, she didn’t know she was helping a basketball icon. She just treated him kindly, like any other customer. But that kindness stayed with him.

How Marilyn Nault Met Bill Russell

Their first meeting was simple. Bill Russell, the NBA legend, walked into the jewelry store where Marilyn worked. He wasn’t looking for love. Neither was she. But something clicked. They had a natural connection, even though they came from very different worlds.

Years later, in 1995, Bill’s longtime secretary passed away. Marilyn, who still remembered Bill and wanted to help, reached out and offered her support. This moment brought them back together, and from there, their bond started to grow.

They spent more time together and slowly became closer. Over time, they realized they shared the same values — kindness, humor, and respect. It wasn’t flashy or fast. It was quiet, deep, and real.

Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell’s Love Story

By 1996, Marilyn and Bill were officially a couple. It was a calm and happy relationship. They didn’t care about being in the spotlight. They just enjoyed each other’s company. One sweet detail? Bill promised Marilyn that he would make her laugh at least once every day — and he did.

They loved taking long car rides, staying home and watching TV together, and just living a normal, peaceful life. Even though Bill Russell was one of the most famous athletes in NBA history, around Marilyn, he was just a husband, a partner, and a friend.

Their love was full of laughter, comfort, and trust. It was the kind of relationship that grows stronger with time — simple, strong, and full of heart.

The Wedding of Marilyn Nault and Bill Russell

After dating for four years, Marilyn and Bill got married on February 17, 2000. The wedding happened just a few days after Bill’s 66th birthday. Marilyn was 50 at the time. It wasn’t a huge, fancy event — just a special moment between two people who truly loved each other.

The age difference between them was 16 years, but it never mattered. What mattered was how they made each other feel. Bill once said that Marilyn made his home feel warm again — and that says a lot.

Their bond wasn’t based on fame, money, or public image. It was based on care, respect, and shared moments that made life better for both of them.

Marilyn Nault’s Married Life with Bill Russell

Once married, Marilyn and Bill lived a peaceful life in Mercer Island, near Seattle. Their home was filled with warmth and laughter. Marilyn got used to Bill’s late-night TV watching and even the sound of his grandfather clock chiming in the house.

One of their favorite things to do was go on long drives together. They didn’t need fancy vacations or big crowds — just a good playlist, an open road, and each other.

Bill would later share funny stories about their life together. In one story, Marilyn took off her glasses, asked him to clean them, and when she put them back on, she joked, “My God, you’re Black!” It made them both laugh, and it showed the kind of playful love they had.

Marilyn Nault and Her Role as a Stepmom

Although Marilyn Nault never had children of her own, she became a stepmother to Bill Russell’s three children from his first marriage to Rose Swisher. Their names are William Jr., Jacob, and Karen Russell.

Even though Marilyn stayed mostly out of the public eye, those close to the family say she was caring and kind. She treated the children with respect and love. She supported Bill in staying close to his kids, especially during family events and holidays.

Marilyn didn’t try to take over the role of their mother. Instead, she simply added warmth and care to the family in her own quiet way. She was there in the background — helping, listening, and supporting.

How Marilyn Nault Died and the Mystery Around It

On January 21, 2009, Marilyn Nault passed away in Seattle at the age of 59. According to Bill Russell, she died after a battle with cancer, a disease he later called his “mortal enemy.”

For some time, there were rumors about her death. Some people said the family never confirmed the cause. But Russell later spoke openly, saying that cancer took the love of his life. That’s when he began supporting causes that work toward cancer research.

Her death came just weeks before what would have been their ninth wedding anniversary. It was a quiet goodbye. The family held a private ceremony in Seattle, away from the media. Marilyn’s passing left a deep hole in Russell’s heart — one that never fully healed.

How Marilyn’s Death Affected Bill Russell

Marilyn’s death deeply changed Bill Russell. He later said, “She was the greatest gift that God gave me, and cancer took that away.” He felt wounded by her loss, and his life was never the same after that.

To honor her memory, Bill started supporting the Harold & Carole Pump Foundation, which focuses on finding a cure for cancer. In 2009, the same year Marilyn died, the foundation gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award alongside Magic Johnson.

Russell also shared touching stories about their time together. In one interview, he said that hearing the word “cancer” made him sad because it reminded him of Marilyn. But he always tried to smile when thinking of her — because of how much joy she brought into his life.

The Lasting Legacy of Marilyn Nault

Even though Marilyn Nault was never in the spotlight, her memory continues to live on. Bill dedicated his book “Russell Rules” to her. In it, he called her his best friend and thanked her for bringing calm into his life.

Marilyn’s name was also used in a scholarship program for young students in Boston, created as part of a Red Sox mentorship program that Bill supported. It was a quiet but powerful way to keep her name alive.

She may not have had fame, but she had a big impact — on her husband, on his family, and now, on the students who benefit from that scholarship. Her kindness, laughter, and gentle love are the things people remember most about her.

Bill Russell’s Life After Marilyn Nault

After Marilyn’s passing, Bill Russell remained single for nearly nine years. He didn’t rush into another relationship. He needed time to heal and reflect.

In 2018, he married Jeannine Fiorito, a retired professional golfer. She became his fourth and final wife. The two were often seen together in his last public appearances. They shared happy moments, but Marilyn’s memory always stayed close to Bill’s heart.

Bill Russell passed away on July 31, 2022, at the age of 88. His life was filled with history, championships, and activism — but many say it was his quiet years with Marilyn that brought him the most peace.

Final Thoughts

Marilyn Nault lived a simple life, but her love story with Bill Russell is one worth remembering. She wasn’t a movie star or an athlete. She was a regular woman with a big heart — one who brought joy to one of basketball’s biggest legends.

Her story teaches us that you don’t need to be famous to make a difference. All you need is kindness, love, and the ability to make someone smile — just like Marilyn did for Bill Russell every single day.

Today, Marilyn Nault may not be in the headlines, but her legacy continues quietly. In love, in laughter, and in the memories she left behind, she will always be remembered as a gift that changed Bill Russell’s life forever.