Janet Condra is best known as the first wife of legendary NBA player Larry Bird, but her story goes far beyond just being linked to a famous sports star. Born in the 1950s in French Lick, Indiana, Janet grew up in a small-town environment filled with family values and close community ties. She and Larry Bird became high school sweethearts, later marrying in 1975, though their union ended in divorce less than a year later. Despite the separation, Janet gave birth to their daughter, Corrie Bird, in 1977, and raised her mostly as a single mother. Choosing privacy over fame, Janet Condra worked steadily as a mail carrier, later remarried, and built a peaceful family life away from the public eye.
Profile Summary: Janet Condra
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Janet Condra |
| Birth Year | 1950s (exact year not publicly known) |
| Age (as of 2025) | Early to mid-70s |
| Birthplace | French Lick, Indiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Springs Valley High School |
| Marital Status | Divorced / Remarried |
| First Husband | Larry Bird (m. 1975 – div. 1976) |
| Second Husband | Mike Deakins |
| Children | Corrie Bird (with Larry Bird), Mandy Deakins (with Mike Deakins) |
| Career | Mail Carrier (Indiana) |
| Current Residence | Indiana, USA |
| Known For | Being the first wife of Larry Bird |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $500,000 |
Early Life and Background
Janet Condra was born in the 1950s in French Lick, Indiana, a small town known for its close community and strong family values. Growing up in this supportive environment, Janet developed a down-to-earth personality, shaped by simple living and the importance of relationships. She attended Springs Valley High School, where she was well-liked by classmates and actively involved in school activities. It was here that it first met Larry Bird, who would later become her husband. Her upbringing in French Lick gave her resilience, kindness, and strength that would guide her throughout life.
Age and Physical Appearance
Janet Condra was born in the 1950s, which makes her likely in her early to mid-70s as of 2025. While she has chosen to live a private life, away from media and public appearances, some details about her younger years are known. In her youth, it was described as having blonde hair and dark brown eyes, with a natural and simple beauty that reflected her modest lifestyle. Over time, she has remained out of the spotlight, and information about her current appearance is limited, but she continues to represent dignity and grace through her quiet lifestyle.
Meeting Larry Bird – High School Sweethearts
Janet Condra and Larry Bird first met as teenagers while attending Springs Valley High School in their hometown of French Lick, Indiana. Growing up in the same small community, they quickly formed a close bond and became high school sweethearts. it was supportive of Larry’s growing passion for basketball, often standing by his side as he worked to sharpen his skills and chase his dreams. Their relationship was filled with young love, shared experiences, and the hope of building a simple future together, which eventually led to their decision to marry.
Janet Condra and Larry Bird’s Marriage
Janet Condra and Larry Bird married in November 1975 after several years of being high school sweethearts. Their wedding was a modest ceremony that reflected their small-town roots and the simplicity of their early lives. At the time, both were very young, with Larry just beginning to focus seriously on his basketball career. The pressures of his growing ambitions, constant training, and time away created challenges that the couple found difficult to manage. Despite the love they shared, their marriage lasted less than a year, and by 1976 they divorced, marking a turning point in both Janet Condra’s life and Larry Bird’s personal journey.
The Birth of Corrie Bird
After her short-lived marriage with Larry Bird ended, Janet Condra faced a major turning point in her life when she discovered she was pregnant. In August 1977, she gave birth to their daughter, Corrie Bird, who became the lasting bond between Janet and Larry despite their divorce. At first, Larry denied paternity, but a DNA test later confirmed he was the father. it took on the full responsibility of raising Corrie, showing strength and determination as a single mother while Larry focused on his rising basketball career, leaving Janet to provide stability and love for their daughter.
Life After Divorce – Single Motherhood
After her divorce from Larry Bird, Janet Condra’s life changed dramatically as she stepped into the demanding role of a single mother. In 1977, she welcomed her daughter Corrie Bird and faced the challenge of raising her without Larry’s daily involvement, since his basketball career was just taking off. it not only provided emotional support but also worked hard to give Corrie stability and a secure upbringing. Balancing motherhood with financial responsibilities, she showed remarkable resilience and strength. While Larry remained distant, Janet focused entirely on her daughter, proving her dedication as a loving parent who put family above everything else.
Janet Condra’s Career and Personal Independence
Following her divorce from Larry Bird, Janet Condra built her life around independence and stability rather than fame. She worked as a mail carrier in Indiana, a steady career that allowed her to support herself and her daughter Corrie Bird. it valued hard work and modest living, showing that she preferred a simple lifestyle over public attention. Her job also kept her connected to her community, where she was respected for her dedication. Instead of using her connection to Larry Bird for recognition or wealth, she chose dignity and privacy, building a strong example of resilience and independence for her family.
Larry Bird’s Relationship with Corrie Bird
The relationship between Larry Bird and his daughter Corrie Bird, born to Janet Condra in 1977, has often been described as distant and complicated. While a paternity test confirmed Larry as Corrie’s father, his focus on building an NBA career left little time for active parenting. it became the main caregiver, offering Corrie love, guidance, and stability throughout her childhood. Although Larry provided financial support, such as a trust fund and bank account, emotional presence was limited. Over the years, he attempted to reconnect, but the early absence created a lasting impact, highlighting Janet Condra’s vital role as the consistent parent in Corrie’s life.
Janet Condra’s Second Marriage and Family Life
After her divorce from Larry Bird, Janet Condra eventually found happiness again when she married Mike Deakins. Unlike her first marriage, which was widely noted because of Larry’s fame, Janet chose to keep her second marriage private, away from the public eye. Together, Janet and Mike built a quiet and stable family life, and they welcomed a daughter named Mandy. it remained focused on raising her children with love and care, while carefully protecting her family’s privacy. Her second marriage showed her desire for peace, normalcy, and independence, proving that she valued family life over public recognition or fame.
Larry Bird’s Life After Divorce from Janet Condra
After his brief marriage to Janet Condra ended in 1976, Larry Bird went on to focus fully on his basketball career, which soon made him one of the greatest players in NBA history. In 1989, he married Dinah Mattingly, and together they adopted two children, Connor and Mariah. While his personal life became more stable, Larry’s relationship with his biological daughter, Corrie Bird, from it, remained strained due to his limited involvement during her childhood. Despite this, Bird achieved legendary status with the Boston Celtics and later worked as a coach and executive, showing how his life moved forward after his early marriage.
Current Life and Privacy
Today, Janet Condra lives a very private life, choosing peace and simplicity over publicity. Now in her early to mid-70s, she is believed to still reside in Indiana, the same hometown where her journey began. Unlike many who were once connected to celebrities, it has avoided social media, interviews, and public events, showing her strong preference for privacy. Her focus has always been on family, raising her daughters Corrie and Mandy with love and stability. By staying away from the spotlight, Janet Condra has created a life centered on dignity and independence, proving that true fulfillment can exist outside fame and fortune.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Janet Condra’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000 as of 2025, a figure that reflects her years of steady work and modest lifestyle rather than fame or fortune. Most of her earnings came from her career as a mail carrier in Indiana, which provided stability and independence as she raised her daughter Corrie Bird. Unlike Larry Bird, whose net worth is estimated at about $75 million from his basketball career and later executive roles, it chose a simpler path. Her financial status highlights her resilience and determination to live independently, focusing on family values rather than wealth or publicity.
Legacy and Importance of Her Story
The legacy of Janet Condra is not built on fame or fortune but on strength, resilience, and the ability to live life with dignity despite challenges. As the first wife of Larry Bird and the mother of Corrie Bird, she played an important role in Bird’s early personal life while also carving her own path away from the spotlight. Janet Condra showed that even when connected to a world-famous figure, it is possible to choose privacy, independence, and family over public attention. Her story is a reminder that true legacy is often found in quiet strength, personal values, and unwavering dedication to loved ones.
Conclusion
The life of Janet Condra is a story of strength, independence, and quiet determination. Though she is often remembered as the first wife of NBA legend Larry Bird, her journey goes far beyond that short marriage. Janet Condra grew up in a small town, became a young bride, and later faced the challenges of single motherhood when raising her daughter Corrie Bird largely on her own. Instead of seeking fame or recognition through her connection to Larry, she chose a private life, working as a mail carrier and later remarrying to build a peaceful family with her second husband. Her story shows that fulfillment is not always found in the spotlight but in living with dignity, resilience, and devotion to family. Janet Condra’s legacy is one of quiet courage and meaningful choices that continue to inspire respect.
FAQs About Janet Condra
Who is Janet Condra?
Janet Condra is best known as the first wife of NBA legend Larry Bird and the mother of their daughter, Corrie Bird.
When did Janet Condra marry Larry Bird?
Janet Condra married Larry Bird in November 1975, but their marriage lasted less than a year and ended in divorce in 1976.
Did Janet Condra and Larry Bird have children?
Yes, Janet Condra gave birth to their daughter Corrie Bird in August 1977, shortly after the divorce.
What did Janet Condra do after divorcing Larry Bird?
After the divorce, Janet Condra worked as a mail carrier in Indiana and focused on raising her daughter with strength and independence.
Did Janet Condra remarry?
Yes, Janet Condra later married Mike Deakins, and together they had a daughter named Mandy, building a quiet family life away from the media.
Where is Janet Condra now?
Janet Condra lives a private life in Indiana, away from public attention and social media, preferring peace and family over fame.
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