Two Bills, both larger than life, both unforgettable. Now these iconic buddies are reunited. Bill Walton passed away on May 27 after a prolonged battle with cancer nearly two years after he mourned the passing of his dearest friend, Bill Russell. Basketball and the Celtics weren’t the only things they had in common. Both were passionate about social and political issues, fun-loving, and jovial. Russell’s family has their own memories of Walton during his lifelong friendship with them. They were naturally devastated by his loss, but now know both Bills are going to be up to their usual antics. Something that Russell’s wife, Jeanine conveyed through a touching message on social media.

“My condolences to Lori, the boys, and all of Bill’s family & friends. Bill was 1 in a million, & lived life to the absolute fullest. Today we lost a great human. My Bill & I cherished our friendship with them. I know my Bill is waiting for his biggest fan with the biggest cackle. RIP,” Jeanine wrote under one of the last photographs of both Bills with their respective wives. She posted it on Bill Russell’s official Instagram page. Since Russell’s passing in 2022, Jeanine has kept it running on his behalf.

The chronic fun-seeker had a special place in the Russell family. Karen Russell, Mr 11 Rings’ daughter, poured out all the memories she had of her dad’s friend on X. She was especially remembering her dad at this moment. “Today reminds me of the day we lost Daddy in the best possible way…Wonderful to see the outpouring of love for Bill…Bill touched so many lives! Mine too!…I’m grateful that I spent time with him, Lori, and the boys!” Karen wrote along with an old snap of Bill Square chatting courtside with Oscar Robertson and Dolph Schayes.

During a career cut short by chronic foot injuries, Walton played for the Trail Blazers, Clippers, and Celtics. Given that Russell was his favorite player and his admiration for Larry Bird, it was fitting he retired in Boston. The side about Walton not many would’ve known came from the Russells.

Russell family shares Bill Walton memories

Through this emotional time, Karen Russell recalled moments of her dad and Walton’s friendship. The duo was close to Nancy Pelosi’s family since generations. And both Pelosi and Walton would tell Karen stories about her father she didn’t know about him.

“I’m too sad to share, but I have dozens of stories about Bill Russell and Bill Walton! And a great Obama one too! I just loved Bill. My heart is with Lori, and his family,” Karen wrote. One instance that showed how much Walton loved Russell was conveyed by Rachel Nichols. During an interview, the brash sportscaster snatched a picture of Russell from the studio and took it home. Karen summed up that’s how they were.

The league, the Celtics, Barack Obama, Kareem Abdul-Jabar, James Worthy, Byron Scott, Larry Bird, Julius Erving, and so many more expressed their grief over Walton’s demise. The NBA held a moment of silence before Game 4 of the Celtics-Pacers game. Fans tonight are rooting for the Celtics to make both Bills proud.