Who was Marilyn Nault, third wife of NBA legend Bill Russell?

Marilyn Nault was the third wife of late basketball star Bill Russell, who died on Sunday at the age of 88. 

Marilyn Nault was born to Quentin Nault and Helen Nault on January 14, 1950 in Concordia, Kansas. She grew up in Kansas with her four brothers and went to Catholic elementary and secondary schools.

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Prior to meeting Bill Russell, Marilyn sold jewellery. Nault and Russell maintained a rather quiet relationship, away from public eye. Their marriage lasted until her death in January 2009. 

Marilyn Nault Russell passed away on January 25, 2009, following a long struggle with cancer. A private funeral service was held in Seattle on January 26, 2009.

On her death, the University of San Francisco released a statement saying,” I join with the entire University community in offering Bill Russell our sympathy and condolences, along with our prayerful support at this moment of profound loss.”

Then USF President Stephen A. Privett, S.J. added,” We pray that he may feel God’s embrace through the love and support of his family and friends.”

Also Read: Who was Rose Swisher, first wife of NBA legend Bill Russell?

The family of Bill Russell announced that he passed away on July 31, 2022 at the age of 88. Russell was the first player to win an Olympic Gold Medal, an NBA Championship, and a collegiate championship. He was a 5-time NBA MVP and 12-time All-Star.

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His illustrious career also featured 11 NBA titles with the Boston Celtics, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and admission into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The NBA honoured Russell with a lifetime achievement award. He also participated in civil rights marches alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and was the first Black head coach of any significant American sport.