Rose Swisher is Bill Russell’s first wife out of four. Despite the popularity of her husband, she has kept a low profile until recently, her story was showcased by Netflix in its documentary that was released on Feb. 8, 2023.
Unfortunately, the former Boston Celtics are no longer to watch how his life transformed from rags to riches as Russell breathed his last in July 2022 at an age of 88. For the 2023 season, the NBA is wearing Jersey No.6 to honor the 11-time NBA champion, who is widely regarded as one of the most incredible NBA players ever.
Apparently, most of you are aware of Bill Russell, but the world doesn’t know a bit about Russell’s personal life, particularly about Russell’s wife, about whom the Netflix documentary has given a brief. The two-part documentary film has so far covered half of Boston Greats’ triumphs, personal archives, and interviews and it is said that the Netflix show will also feature Russell’s life off the court, which is more exciting to many.
Now, without any further delay, let’s learn about Bill Russell’s first wife.
Who Is Rose Swisher?
Bill Russel’s first wife Rose Swisher was his college sweetheart for a long time until the duo decided to tie the knot on December 9, 1956. The pair enjoyed Bill’s most victories together. But their happy days soon ceased, making them yearn for a divorce.
Finally, the duo parted ways in 1973, nearly after 17 years of togetherness. After the split, Swisher was nowhere to be seen as she chose to live a relatively secluded life. However, Swisher died aged 78 in 2014.
Bill Russell’s Children With Rose Swisher
Russell and Swisher had three children, sons Jacob and William Junior, and daughter Karen Russell. Although Bill has married multiple times, has had no children other than these three.
His only daughter Karen was born in 1962, so Karen is apparently 61 years old now and currently, she is serving as a legal and political analyst, with reputable educational qualifications from Harvard Law School and Georgetown University.
Sadly, their first son William Junior passed away in 2016 after being diagnosed with cancer.
Who Did Bill Russel Marry After The Divorce From Rose Swisher?
Bill Rusell, who was dearly in love with Rose Swisher, his first wife, decided to move on roughly after 4 years and married Dorothy Andett, the Miss USA in 1977. Although she married in English from the University of Washington, she later pivoted to a beauty career, earning herself a pageant title in 1968.
However, neither of them lived together any longer as the pair parted ways in 1980, meaning they were only married for nearly three years.
ALSO READ: Who Is Joe Rogan Wife? Know About Jessica Ditzel’s Dating History
He further went on to marry Marilyn Nault in 1996m, and the relationship lasted until she died in 2009.
Although Rose Swisher was his first wife, it was Jeanine Russell, his fourth and last wife, who was with him in his last moments.
What Happened To Bill Russel?
Russell’s health was not at the finest during his last few years as he was frequently taken to hospitals. However, the cause of death was not announced by his family after he passed away on July 31, 2022. It was a devastating moment for his family as well as for the Boston Celtics and the entire NBA. The whole nation was left mourning.
Since he was one of the most accomplished and well-respected athletes, the news channels often featured his health which was deteriorating with each passing day. No wonder the NBA star is still celebrated as he has won eleven NBA championships in 13 years, one such achievement that the current budding NBA players are trying to acquire. Russel was also a gold medal winner at the 1956 Olympics.
Moreover, he left for the world residence after catering history by becoming the foremost Black head coach in a major American sport. Most importantly, he proved to the world that the game can be won with a black man being its head as among the 13 championships he held, 2 were earned under his own leadership.
ALSO CHECK:
Discover Yeat’s Net Worth: How Rich Is Rapper & Producer Noah Olivier Smith?
