Janet Condra: Early Life, Marriage to Larry Bird, and Beyond

Who Is Janet Condra?

Janet Condra is widely recognized as the former wife of NBA legend Larry Bird, one of the most iconic basketball players in history. Although her name is often mentioned in relation to Larry Bird, Janet has lived a life largely away from the public eye. She’s a figure of intrigue due to her early connection to one of sports’ biggest names and the brief marriage that produced Larry Bird’s only biological daughter.

This article explores the life of Janet Condra, her brief but impactful marriage to Larry Bird, her role in Bird’s personal history, and what is known about her today.

Early Life and Background

Very little public information is available about Janet Condra’s early life. She grew up in French Lick, Indiana, the same small town as Larry Bird. The two reportedly knew each other during their teenage years and formed a close relationship that eventually led to marriage.

Her connection to Bird before his fame gives her a unique position in his life—one grounded in shared roots rather than public accolades or the spotlight.

Marriage to Larry Bird

Janet Condra married Larry Bird in 1975, a year before Bird began his legendary college basketball career at Indiana State University. However, the marriage was short-lived. The couple separated and ultimately divorced within one year of being married.

While the reasons for the divorce have never been publicly confirmed, some sources suggest that the strain of Larry’s rising basketball career and the pressures of young adulthood contributed to the breakup.

Their Daughter – Corrie Bird

Janet Condra and Larry Bird had one child together—Corrie Bird, born in 1977. Corrie is Larry Bird’s only biological daughter. Her birth came after the couple had already split, which created complexities in their family dynamics.

Corrie’s early years were marked by a strained relationship with her father. According to multiple interviews and public accounts, Larry Bird was largely absent from Corrie’s life while she was growing up. He was focused on his NBA career during the 1980s and was seldom present, which reportedly led to emotional challenges for both Corrie and Janet.

Despite the distance, Corrie eventually made efforts to reconnect with her father later in life. Over time, she built her own career and family independent of her famous surname, working in healthcare administration.

Life After Divorce

Following her divorce from Larry Bird, Janet Condra chose to maintain a low public profile. Unlike many individuals who gain attention through association with celebrities, Janet has kept her personal life private. She did not remarry publicly, nor has she been featured prominently in media or tabloid coverage.

Most of what is known about her comes from indirect sources—particularly interviews with her daughter Corrie or references in biographies about Larry Bird.

Public Perception and Media Representation

Because of her connection to a sports icon, Janet Condra’s name occasionally appears in articles, documentaries, and retrospectives about Larry Bird. However, she has never actively sought the spotlight and has avoided giving public interviews or capitalizing on her connection to Bird.

This has earned her a degree of respect among fans and biographers, who note her preference for privacy and her role in supporting Corrie through the years.

Impact on Larry Bird’s Personal Journey

While Janet Condra’s marriage to Larry Bird was brief, it coincided with a pivotal time in his life. Their relationship existed before his fame, giving Bird a connection to his humble roots. Some speculate that the experience of early marriage and fatherhood—and the challenges that came with it—influenced Bird’s later life choices, including how he approached relationships, fame, and fatherhood with his adopted children in later years.

Bird would later marry Dinah Mattingly in 1989, with whom he adopted two children. His second marriage has remained stable, and the couple is known for keeping their family life very private.

Corrie Bird’s Relationship with Her Parents

Corrie Bird has spoken publicly about her complicated relationship with her father. She has acknowledged the emotional distance during her childhood but has also expressed a desire to build bridges. Over time, she has created a successful life for herself, marrying and working in the healthcare sector.

Janet Condra’s role in raising Corrie has often been acknowledged with admiration. She played both parental roles during Corrie’s formative years and helped her maintain dignity and identity despite growing up in the shadow of a sports legend.

Where Is Janet Condra Today?

As of 2025, Janet Condra remains largely out of the public eye. She is believed to live in Indiana, close to family. She has not published memoirs, attended celebrity events, or participated in interviews. Her life story remains one of quiet resilience, defined more by strength and personal values than public acclaim.

Final Thoughts on Janet Condra

Janet Condra may not have pursued fame, but her story adds important context to the life of one of the NBA’s most celebrated figures. As Larry Bird’s first wife and the mother of his only biological child, she played a key role in his early life narrative.

Through the years, Janet has exemplified discretion, emotional strength, and a focus on family—qualities that have allowed her to live her life on her own terms. While the public may only know her as a footnote in Larry Bird’s biography, those closer to the story understand her significance.

Clearing Up Confusion

Who is Janet Condra?
She is the former wife of NBA legend Larry Bird and the mother of his daughter, Corrie Bird.

When did Janet Condra marry Larry Bird?
They were married in 1975 but divorced less than a year later.

Do Janet Condra and Larry Bird have children?
Yes, they have one daughter, Corrie Bird.

Did Janet Condra remarry?
There is no public record of her remarrying.

Where is Janet Condra now?
She is believed to live a private life in Indiana.

What is known about her early life?
She grew up in French Lick, Indiana, and knew Larry Bird from an early age.

Is Janet Condra active in media or public events?
No, she has maintained a very private lifestyle.

What role did she play in Corrie Bird’s life?
She was the primary caregiver and raised Corrie as a single parent.

What is her legacy?
Janet Condra is respected for her discretion, privacy, and dedication to her daughter.