How many times was Bill Russell married? Shedding light on the personal side of the late Boston Celtics great's life
Bill Russell is one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA, and his recent passing at 88 is cause for mourning. Russell's tragic passing has made people celebrate and reflect on his life.
While the Boston Celtics legend had a Hall of Fame NBA career, his life was full of memorable moments. During his eighty-eight years on planet Earth, Russell lived a life that many people could only dream of living.
One area where Russell's life was complicated was his romantic life, which often led to personal turmoil. Each of Russell's marriages would shape different eras of his life.
How many times was Bill Russell married?
Over his eighty-eight years, Russell would get married four times with four different women. While his romantic history is not on the level of a Wilt Chamberlain, his number of marriages was more than that of most people.
Russell's marriages were noteworthy for fans of the two-time Hall of Famer. With each one being unique, it is worth briefly discussing them.
Bill Russell's first wife: Rose Swisher Russell
Rose Swisher Russell was the Boston Celtics legend's first wife, and the two were married throughout his NBA career. Their marriage would also be Russell's longest marriage, lasting from 1956 to 1973.
Arguably the greatest player of all time, Bill Russell is a 2x NCAA champ, 11x NBA champ, and 5x NBA MVP. In 1956 he married his college sweetheart Rose Swisher. They had 3 kids together before their divorce in 1973. https://t.co/hxOmXIG3zI
Despite the length of their marriage, things would eventually fall apart between the Hall of Famer and Rose Swisher. They divorced in 1973, with Russell paying Swisher to care for herself and their children.
Bill Russell's second wife: Dorothy Anstett Russell
After his divorce from Rose Swisher, Russell focused on his coaching career with the Seattle Supersonics. A few years after his divorce, Russell would remarry. This time he married Miss USA winner Dorothy Anstett.
In 1977, Bill Russell married his 2nd wife, Dorothy Anstett, who had won the Miss USA beauty pageant in 1968. Their union would be short lived as they divorced in 1980. https://t.co/i3dS6hU4Mu
Their marriage would be Russell's shortest; the couple divorced after just three years. After his second divorce in seven years, Russell took some time to live an unmarried life.
Bill Russell's third wife: Marylin Nault Russell
Russell's third marriage was to jewelry salesperson Marylin Nault, but their marriage would end in tragedy. Marylin Nault Russell passed away from cancer after almost nine years together.
(via @NBA)David Stern called Bill Russell's dying wife to tell her he was naming the Finals MVP after Bill.
This story is beautiful ❤️ (via @NBA) https://t.co/BAaCmoBcS2
While the NBA has had controversies about its treatment of players, the league tried to do right by Russell at that moment. After his third wife's tragic passing, Russell would contribute to fighting and curing cancer.
Bill Russell's fourth wife: Jeannine Fiorito Russell
Russell would marry one last time before his death. His fourth and final marriage was to former professional golfer Jeannine Fiorito. Jeannine Russell was at the Boston Celtics legend's side when he passed away.
Before his passing, Russell was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame for the second time. During his acceptance speech, he thanked his wife along with other crucial figures in his life.
Bill Russell thanks Red Auerbach, David Stern, Kobe Bryant and his wife Jeannine as he becomes the fifth Hall of Famer to be inducted as both a player and a coach. https://t.co/1UY21uutei
We here at Sportskeeda send our condolences to the family and friends of Bill Russell. May they be comforted during this difficult time. May Russell rest in peace.