Janet Condra – The Mystery Behind Larry Bird’s First Love

janet condra

Introduction

When people refer to Larry Bird, it’s often followed by an allusion to either his phenomenal career in basketball or contending on the court. But behind the legend lays a tale of love, heartbreak and lessons learned — the story of Janet Condra, Larry Bird’s first wife.

Who Is Janet Condra?

Janet Condra is most famous for being Larry Bird’s first wife. Though she led a private life, their relationship with Bird would be an important factor in the player’s formative personal years.

Early Life and Background

Janet Condra was born in Indiana, home also to basketball legend Larry Bird. Both were products of modest roots, raised in small towns where everyone knew one another. Her shy demeanor and modest background were a perfect match for Bird’s down-to-earth personality, and they hit it off right away.

Janet Condra and Larry Bird: The Start

How They Met

Janet and Larry met in French Lick, Ind., where they both attended high school. Their friendship eventually evolved into a romantic relationship through their college years.

Young Love in Indiana

Their love story was one of those high school sweethearts turned couple tales. They had similar values — loyalty, simplicity, hard work. But as Bird’s basketball career began to lift off, life was changing rapidly.

The Wedding of Janet Condra and Larry Bird

A Brief but Memorable Union

Janet Condra and Larry Bird consider moving into a married couple in 1975. It was a marriage of love and convenience. The marriage ended within a year, however, and they separated in 1976. It’s only one page in their lives, but it’s a very important book on radical love.

Why Janet Condra and Larry Bird Got Divorced?

Challenges in Their Relationship

Young marriages are always difficult but fame makes it worse. Larry was so involved in his basketball and that just made space between them. Their lives started to take different turns as Larry’s intentions for the future expanded.

Life Differences and Pressures

Mounting career pressures, public expectations and personal adaptations made the marriage impossible to maintain. Eventually, in 1976, the couple parted ways.

Janet Condra’s Life After Divorce

Motherhood and Raising a Daughter

Following the split Janet gave birth to Corrie Bird – Larry’s daughter. Bird had somewhat limited direct contact with her initially, but Janet devoted her life to bringing Corrie up in a loving and stable environment.

Personal Life Outside of the Spotlight

In a world where many hounded fame, Janet Condra pursued invisibility. She slipped out of the media glare and lived quietly with her daughter.

Did Janet Condra Remarry?

While she has maintained a low profile, reports indicate that Janet Condra remarried Mike Deakins after her divorce from Bird. Together, they had a daughter named Mandy, who pursued a career in music and has performed at events like her half-sister Corrie’s wedding.

Larry Bird’s Life After the Divorce

Rise to NBA Stardom

Post-divorce, Larry Bird’s career skyrocketed. He would join the Boston Celtics, where he became one of the greatest players in NBA history. His competitiveness can not be touched, a man that wanted to win so much brought several championships to the team.

Second Marriage and Family

Larry was later married to Dinah Mattingly in 1989. The couple had two children and he has lived a relatively quiet, stable life compared to his younger days. As of 2025, Bird continues to serve as a consultant for the Indiana Pacers, maintaining a low public profile.

Janet Condra’s Child – Corrie Bird

Who Is Corrie Bird?

Born in 1977, Corrie Bird is the daughter of Janet Condra and Larry Bird. She is in health care management and keeps her private life to herself, from Indiana. Corrie, whose intelligence and independence wins her the admiration of fans like her mother.

Her Relationship With Her Father, Larry Bird

For years Corrie and Larry were estranged. But in time, they tried to rekindle. They have continued to enjoy — however quietly they have kept it at times — a relationship of mutual respect.

Where Is Janet Condra Now?

Janet Condra now lives in Indiana, keeping to herself and staying out of the spotlight. She makes local mentions here and there in mention of Larry Bird’s biography, but she keeps to herself. As of 2025, she is likely in her early to mid-70s and continues to lead a private life, likely residing in Indiana.

Janet Condra’s Impact On Larry Bird’s Early Life

Though their marriage was brief, Janet had a lasting impact on Larry Bird’s early emotional and personal growth. The time they spent together taught Bird about determination, patience and the difficulties of trying to maintain personal connections while chasing professional aspirations.

Media and Public Interest in Janet Condra

Larry Bird fans are curious about Janet Condra. Although she has made relatively few appearances in the media, her story has been featured in a number of biographies and television programs which have brought a humanising angle to Bird’s tale.

Life Lessons By Way of Janet Condra and Larry Bird’s Story

Here are a few lessons we can learn from their story:

  • Love doesn’t always guarantee longevity.
  • There is personal costs to fame and stardom.
  • Privacy is one kind of power.
  • You can be respectful and mature post breakup.

Janet and Larry’s story serves as a testament to the fact that even successful people have personal battles, grow through them, and continue living life with class.

Conclusion

Janet Condra is not just a footnote in Larry Bird’s life — her story is one of strength, love and determination. We are really impressed by her dignity and privacy even though the whole world is curious about her. As Larry Bird graduated to global icon, Janet’s urgency — the fear of what life might become without her guidance and support — is still in his makeup, a province especially curious given one knows his origin story to be written with love, with lessons and with life.

FAQs

Who is Janet Condra?

Janet Condra – Larry Bird’s first wife with very little interest in being in the public eye, fans were charmed by the way she preferred staying out of.

When did Janet Condra marry Larry Bird?

They married in 1975 and divorced in 1976.

Do Janet Condra and Larry Bird have children?

Yes, they have a daughter named Corrie Bird (born 1977).

Did Janet Condra remarry after divorce?

Reports indicate she remarried Mike Deakins and had another daughter, Mandy.

Where is Janet Condra now?

She now leads a private life in Indiana and out of the public eye.

I am a passionate blogger and spiritual seeker who delves into the enigmatic realm of dreams and their profound meanings. With a keen eye for symbolism and a deep understanding of ancient wisdom, I guide readers through the labyrinth of their subconscious, uncovering hidden messages and illuminating the path to self-discovery.