Who is Dorothy Catherine Anstett, second wife of NBA legend Bill Russell?

Dorothy Catherine Anstett, who won the Miss USA title in 1968, was the second wife of NBA great Bill Russell, who died on Sunday at the age of 88. 

Dorothy was born on June 28, 1947 and was one of nine children of an aircraft plant worker.

She took part in the Miss Washington pageant in July 1967 and was the first runner-up. In April, 1968, she won the Miss Washington USA 1968 crown. The following month, Dororthy won the Miss USA 1968 title and went on to represent the United States at Miss Universe 1968, where she was the fourth runner-up.

She was an English major at the University of Washington when she won the competition. 

She married Boston Celtics great Bill Russell in 1977. They, however, got separated three years later. They have no children together. 

Also Read: Bill Russell death: Know NBA legend’s net worth, college and nicknames

Before Dorothy Catherine Anstett, Billy Russell was married to Rose Swisher, his college sweetheart, from 1956 to 1973. They had three children: daughter Karen Russell and sons William Jr. and Jacob. 

Russell married Marilyn Nault in 1996 and their marriage lasted until her death in 2009.

Russell tied the knot with Jeannine Russell, who was a competitive golfer.

On Sunday, his family said in a statement that he died with is wife, Jeannine, by his side.  

“Bill’s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers. Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded,” the family statement said.

“And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved.”