Marilyn Nault: A Biography

Marilyn Ruth Nault Russell, no ordinary woman

Marilyn Nault was born in Concordia, Cloud County, Kansas, on  January 15, 1950. Her parents, Quentin G. Nault and Helen Pauline Morris Nault, had five children; Marilyn was their first child and only daughter. She grew up with her four brothers, Phil, Eric, James, and Kyle, in an exceptionally religious Catholic household. 

Marilyn Nault’s upbringing and early life

Marilyn’s parents were devout Catholics, and made sure that their only daughter attended a Catholic high school in Kansas. Marilyn chose not to attend college, instead preferring to enter the workforce straight after high school. Her father owned a jewellery store in Kansas, and Marilyn decided to follow in his footsteps. She knew the Deep South wasn’t for her and moved to the West Coast. There she settled in Seattle, Washington, embarking on a career as a jewellery salesperson. She enjoyed success in her chosen field and worked in it for many years. She only stopped working once she met and married Bill Russel, who entered the store where she was working. 

Marilyn Nault’s personality, she was warm and generous of spirit

Marilyn was remembered as a warm-hearted and giving person, someone who was generous of spirit and well-liked by everyone. She took an interest in everyone she met and managed to connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds. She was a real people person.  

When Marilyn met and fell in love with Bill Russell 

Marilyn was working in a jewellery store in 1996 when Bill Russell entered, making this their first encounter. Their first meeting occurred not long after Russel’s secretary, who had worked for him for many years, had died. Marilyn offered to assist the former basketball star, which she did in a professional capacity. She helped him with his professional commitments and accounting. After working for him for a while, their working relationship developed into a friendship, and eventually they fell in love. They began dating around the late 1990s, before tying the knot on February 17, 2000. This was shortly after Russell’s 66th birthday; Marilyn was 50 at the time.

Bill russell and Marilyn Nault; an interracial marriage full of love

Even though they married in 2000, the fact that Bill was black and Marilyn white still raised eyebrows. This was particularly evident among the more conservative members of the public. This did not prevent them from enjoying a loving relationship, with deep mutual admiration, respect and companionship defining their marriage. However, despite Russell’s fame, they kept their marriage low-profile and out of the spotlight. Bill later commented on how Marilyn’s unique sense of humour always made him laugh. They enjoyed many adventures together, travelling all around the United States and exploring the vast country. It brought them both much happiness, and they continued travelling until Marilyn’s illness and eventual untimely death in 2009. 

Nine years of marriage, three stepkids.

On marrying Bill, Marilyn became a willing and loving stepmom to Bill’s three kids from his first marriage, William Jr., Jacob, and Karen. She had a strong affection and bond with the three children, happily filling the role of a surrogate mom. She played a significant and nurturing part in their lives.  

Marilyn and Bill had no children together. She was 50 when they married, but she was deeply devoted and caring to all three of her stepchildren. Marilyn did not work while she was married to Bill, instead focusing on her role as homemaker and mom to Bill’s kids. 

Marilyn’s husband, Bill Russell

Bill Russell: A legendary life on and off the court

Bill Russell was born on February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, to parents Charles Russell and Katie Russell. William Felton Russell would go on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Not only was he talented on the court, but he was also a trailblazer off the court. He became the first black coach of a professional basketball team and a controversial and vocal civil rights activist. After his playing days were over, he lent his considerable skills and knowledge of the game to coaching and achieved much success. He was also an active critic of the racism that prevailed in the USA at the time. Bill left both an exceptional sports and humanitarian legacy after his death.

Bill Russell’s early years

The Russell family left Bill’s birthplace of Louisiana, moving to Oakland, California, during the years of the Great Migration. They hoped to escape the hardship and racial segregation that dominated the Deep South in those years. The family sought out better opportunities for themselves, as well as hoping for a better life for their son Bill. Bill was 10 at the time of their move across the country.

Life in California continued to be hard for the family, with father Charlie eventually finding work in a shipyard. His wife, Bill’s mother, however, became sick with the flu and died in 1946, leaving her young son Bill heartbroken. Life for the Russell family proved rocky. His mother had been his biggest supporter, and her death motivated him to work hard at school. He did this and made sure he graduated.

While studying hard to complete high school, Russell also developed his basketball skills. He earned himself a scholarship to the University of San Francisco (USF). It was here that Russell started to assert himself on the basketball court, leading his team to consecutive NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956. In the process, he recorded an unprecedented 55 consecutive wins. Russell also won a gold medal with Team USA at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956.

Bill Russell, an NBA all-time legend and superstar

Following his college success, Russell joined the Boston Celtics in 1956. He went on to enjoy a hugely successful career and left a legacy that still stands as one of the most impressive, if not the most impressive, in NBA history. With the Celtics, Russell won 11 championships, including eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966. This makes him the most successful player of all time in the NBA.

Five-time MVP 

In his playing days, Russell was named NBA MVP five times and was a 12-time All-Star. Besides being a brilliant individual player, Russell was also considered an exceptional team player and leader. He was someone who inspired those who played with him to raise their game, and inspired those off the court as well. He also proved that, no matter what difficulties black people faced, one could still achieve anything. This was as long as they had the skill, tenacity, and sheer willpower required. 

A coach who broke the colour barrier.

Following his on-court success, Russell went on to break the colour bar ceiling, becoming the first black head coach of any major U.S. professional sports team. He became player-coach of the Celtics in 1966. He led them to consecutive NBA titles as player/coach in 1968 and 1969. Bill paved the way for future black players and coaches in leadership roles. 

Bill Russell, a human rights advocate

Having broken through one colour ceiling, Russell continued to be a voice for the downtrodden and marginalised. This was mostly for people from minority communities, becoming an outspoken critic of the ongoing racism in the USA. He marched with Martin Luther King Jr and supported other sporting superstars like Muhammad Ali when they spoke up against political and racial injustices. Russell suffered much backlash for his political stances and endured severe racism and even vandalism of his home. He however, remained undeterred, sticking to his principles until the very end.

It is said that Bill Russell paved the way for players’ rights and athlete advocacy. This continues today, and is a testament to the great Bill Russell, warrior on and off the field. 

Bill Russell’s four wives, including Marilyn Nault, his third wife

Russell’s first marriage was to his sweetheart Rose Swisher, whom he wed in 1956. They had three children, Karen Russell, a television commentator and lawyer, and two sons, William Jr. and Jacob. They divorced in 1977. He then married Dorothy Anstett, a beauty queen and Miss USA 1968. They divorced in 1980.

It was 10 years later that he married, arguably the biggest love of his life, Marilyn Nault. This was after he walked into the jewellery store where she worked. She started off assisting him in his professional life, but after falling in love, they married in 2000. After nine years of love and close companionship, Marilyn died of cancer in 2009. 

Russell married once more, to Jeannine Russell, in 2018, when he was 84. Not much is written about their marriage, but it is known that Bill and Jeannine shared a happy few years, primarily out of the spotlight. The Bill died in 2022, aged 88.

Bill Russell’s death

Bill Russell, after a remarkable career and eventful life, died at his Mercer Island, Washington, home on July 31, 2022. His family announced the news via a social media post. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver commented that Russell was “the greatest champion in all of team sports.”

Russell enjoyed a life full of awards, honours and accolades. The most meaningful accomplishment to Russell was when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010. This was from then-President Barack Obama. This is the country’s highest civil honour. Bill Russell’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be $10 million.

Marilyn Nault and why she matters

Marilyn Nault was a capable and warm woman who believed in family and community. However, she is only remembered because she married Bill Russell, one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game. 

However, for those who knew her, she is remembered as a warm-hearted, generous person. She had a lively sense of humour and was a good friend and companion to those close to her.

Marilyn Nault’s legacy

Mailyn was always an independent woman who forged her path, becoming a successful businesswoman. She built a thriving career as a jewellery salesperson in both Kansas and Seattle.

She married across the colour line, which even in 2000, was a brave move. Even though she married a famous man, their love defied celebrity and fame. It was a relationship built on trust, compassion, companionship and humour. She died of cancer in 2009.

Bill Russell, heartbroken after her premature death, went on to become a cancer advocate. He turned his grief into a mission of hope for thousands of cancer sufferers.

Marilyn, Bill Russell’s real true love

While Bill Russell was married four times, many believe that Marilyn was his true soul mate. Bill was grief-stricken after her passing in 2009.

Marilyn was diagnosed with cancer and died aged 59, on January 21, 2009, at Seattle’s Virginia Mason Hospital. She was buried at Lake View Cemetery, Seattle, Washington. Her funeral was a private affair with family members memorialising her as a beloved wife, sister, aunt and friend.

Russell would later refer to cancer as his mortal enemy and paid testimony to Marilyn by describing her as “the great gift that God gave me.” Donations were made in her honour to the Southwest Boulevard Family Health Care in Kansas City.

Bill Russell’s Life After Marilyn’s death

While Heartbroken after Marilyn’s death, Bill Russell chose to honour his third wife in the most meaningful way he could. He continued his life of activism, but this time, focusing on the fight against cancer. He actively supported the Harold & Carole Pump Foundation, which focuses on raising money for cancer research. 

Also he found love again in the form of former professional golfer Jeanine Fiorito, whom he married in 2016. She was his fourth wife. Bill died in 2022 at age 88, leaving a legacy as a brilliant basketball player and coach. He will also be remembered as a human rights activist and an advocate for cancer fundraising and research. A legend that will never be forgotten. Marilyn was only in Bill’s life for nine years, but her impact and influence on him will never be forgotten. 

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