Rose Swisher holds a significant place in the life of NBA legend Bill Russell as his first wife out of four. Despite being married to a prominent figure, Rose preferred to maintain a low profile throughout much of her life. However, her story recently came to the forefront when Netflix featured her in a documentary released on February 8, 2023.
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Tragically, Bill Russell, the former Boston Celtics star, is no longer with us to witness how his life transformed from humble beginnings to extraordinary success. He passed away in July 2022 at the age of 88. To honor his remarkable legacy, the NBA is wearing Jersey No. 6 for the 2023 season, paying tribute to the 11-time NBA champion, who is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. Russell made an indelible mark during his time with the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1959.
In this article, we delve into scintillating details about Bill Russell’s first wife, the late Rose Swisher, and shed light on their marital life.
Table of Contents
Profile summary
| Full name | Rose Swisher |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 27th December 1936 |
| Date of death | 11th September 2014 |
| Rose Swisher’s Age | 78 years old at the time of her death |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (African-American) |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Rose Swisher’s Ex-husband | William Felton “Bill” Russell |
| Rose Swisher’s Children | William Fenton Russell Jr. (deceased), Jacob H. Russell, Karen Russell |
| Education | University of San Francisco |
| Famous for | Being Bill Russell’s first wife |
| Profession | Model, Photographer |
Who was Rose Swisher?
Rose Swisher was the college sweetheart of the legendary basketball player Bill Russell. The couple decided to get married on December 9, 1956, and shared many happy moments together, celebrating Bill’s numerous victories. However, their happiness eventually came to an end, leading them to seek a divorce.
After nearly 17 years of marriage, Rose and Bill went their separate ways in 1973. Following their split, Rose chose to live a relatively private and secluded life away from the public eye. She passed away at the age of 78 on September 11, 2014.
Rose Swisher, a model, and photographer, was born on December 27, 1936. She was the first wife of Bill Russell, and together, they had three children: daughter Karen Russell, and sons William Jr. and Jacob. After their divorce, Rose maintained a low profile, while Bill continued his successful basketball career.
Bill Russell’s Children With Rose Swisher
Bill Russell and Rose Swisher had three children together: sons Jacob and William Junior, and daughter Karen Russell. Despite being married multiple times, Bill has no other children besides these three.
Karen Russell, their only daughter, was born in 1962, making her 61 years old now. She is currently serving as a legal and political analyst and holds prestigious educational qualifications from Harvard Law School and Georgetown University.
Tragically, their first son William Junior passed away in 2016 after battling cancer. His untimely death was a heartbreaking loss for the family.
Rose Swisher and Bill Russell’s Nearly Two Decades of Marriage
Rose Swisher and Bill Russell’s love story began during their college days at the University of San Francisco, where they were both students. Rose was studying Nursing, while Bill was pursuing Physical Education. They fell in love and dated throughout their time at the university.
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On December 9, 1956, they exchanged vows in a private wedding ceremony surrounded by their loved ones. The couple enjoyed nearly two decades of marital bliss, living happily together as husband and wife.
In 1973, after about seventeen years of marriage, they decided to part ways. The specific reasons for their divorce remain undisclosed, but it is believed that they drifted apart emotionally over time. Following the divorce, Rose obtained full custody of their three children, and Bill provided financial support for their upbringing. Despite their separation, they both kept their personal lives relatively private after the divorce.
The Private Life of Rose Swisher
After her divorce from Bill Russell, Rose Swisher chose to live her life in a very private manner, away from the public spotlight. She kept details of her subsequent relationships and personal life hidden from the public eye. As a result, it is challenging to ascertain whether she remarried or remained single after her marriage with the NBA star.
Her marriage to Bill Russell was his longest, lasting from 1956 to 1973. Following their divorce, Bill went on to marry three more times. His second marriage was to Dorothy Anstett, a former beauty queen and model, in 1977. They were married for three years before parting ways in 1980.
Bill’s third marriage was to Marilyn Nault in 1996, which lasted for 13 years until Marilyn’s passing in 2009 due to cancer. Finally, Bill’s fourth and final marriage was to Jeannine Fiorito, a former professional golfer, who was with him until his death on July 31, 2022, at his home in Mercer Island, Washington.
Rose Swisher Died at 78
On September 11, 2014, Rose Katherine Swisher Russell, best known as Bill Russell’s first wife, passed away at the age of 78. Her final days were spent in King County, Washington, USA. Rose’s death was attributed to natural causes, marking the end of a life that had been intertwined with the legendary NBA star.
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Details of her burial arrangements remain undisclosed, as Rose chose to live a private life after her divorce from Bill Russell. She left behind three children: Karen Russell, and her sons William Jr. and Jacob, who continue to cherish her memory.
Rose’s Ex-Husband Bill Died at 88
After seven years following Rose’s passing, her former husband Bill Russell also passed away on July 31, 2022. He died at the age of 88 on Mercer Island, Washington.
The late NBA star was laid to rest in Seattle, King County, Washington. Throughout his illustrious career, he was widely regarded as “the greatest champion in all of team sports.”
