Janet Condra: The Untold Story of Larry Bird’s First Wife and the Mother of Corrie Bird

Janet Condra may not be a name that rings immediate bells for most sports enthusiasts, but her connection to legendary basketball player Larry Bird cements her place in NBA history. Known primarily as Bird’s first wife and the mother of his only biological child, Corrie Bird, Janet has lived a life mostly away from the limelight. While Larry Bird soared into fame with his NBA achievements and legendary rivalries, Janet Condra’s name appears as a footnote in his early personal life—but her story is worth exploring in depth.

This article delves into every known facet of Janet Condra’s life, her marriage to Larry Bird, her role as a mother, and the legacy she holds as part of one of basketball’s most iconic names.

Early Life and Background

Janet Condra was born and raised in Indiana, the same state that gave rise to her high school sweetheart, Larry Bird. Although details about her early life remain limited, it is known that both attended Springs Valley High School in French Lick, Indiana. Their bond started during their teenage years, which eventually led to a marriage that would place her in the public eye, albeit briefly.

Despite being connected to a public figure, Janet maintained a quiet life both before and after her short marriage, reflecting a personal choice to remain private rather than bask in public attention.

Marriage to Larry Bird: A Brief Union

Janet Condra married Larry Bird on November 8, 1975, at a time when Bird’s basketball career was just beginning to gain traction. Their marriage, however, lasted less than a year and was officially dissolved in October 1976. While the reasons for the divorce were never made fully public, many close to the couple hinted at young age, career pressures, and incompatible goals as contributing factors.

What is especially significant about their relationship is the deep impact it had on Larry Bird. In multiple interviews, Bird described this marriage as a regretful chapter, acknowledging that the emotional strain shaped his personal outlook in later years. He once referred to the marriage as something that “scarred” him and influenced his distant relationship with his daughter.

Janet Condra and Larry Bird’s Child: Corrie Bird

Despite their short-lived marriage, Janet and Larry reconciled briefly after the divorce, during which time Corrie Bird was conceived. Corrie was born in August 1977, and her upbringing largely took place under Janet’s care. Larry Bird, immersed in building his basketball career and later family life with his second wife Dinah Mattingly, had a strained and distant relationship with Corrie for many years.

Janet Condra played a pivotal role in Corrie’s life as a single parent. She worked multiple jobs and stayed away from media attention, focusing instead on raising her daughter. Corrie would later express publicly her desire for a closer relationship with her father, which eventually improved in later years but never reached the warmth of a traditional father-daughter bond.

Life After Divorce: Janet Condra’s Privacy

After separating from Bird, Janet deliberately stepped away from the public spotlight. Unlike many others who have leveraged fame through association, Janet Condra opted for a life of privacy and dignity. She never publicly criticized Bird or sought attention, even as her ex-husband’s fame grew exponentially during his years with the Boston Celtics and as a coach and NBA executive.

Sources suggest that Janet may have worked in education and healthcare sectors to support herself and Corrie, but exact details remain unconfirmed. She chose not to remarry or at least kept any subsequent relationships extremely private. Her devotion seemed fully directed toward her daughter’s well-being and building a normal life.

Janet Condra Net Worth

Given her private lifestyle and lack of public business ventures or entertainment pursuits, Janet Condra’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. This is largely believed to be composed of personal savings and possibly divorce settlements or small-scale investments. Unlike Larry Bird—whose net worth is estimated at $75 million—Janet Condra’s wealth has not been a subject of media speculation or public curiosity.

She has never appeared in interviews, written memoirs, or granted access to media outlets, making her one of the most enigmatic personalities loosely connected to the world of professional basketball.

Janet Condra Age and Height

While Janet Condra’s exact birthdate isn’t publicly confirmed, she is believed to be born in the mid-1950s, making her around 68 to 70 years old as of 2025. In terms of height, several unconfirmed sources cite her as being approximately 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) tall—making her tall even by basketball standards. This could have been a shared physical trait that brought her and Bird together, as Larry Bird himself stands at 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm).

Janet Condra’s Role in Larry Bird’s Life Story

Though she was only married to Larry Bird for a short period, Janet Condra’s presence in his life had a significant emotional and narrative impact. Their union happened before Bird’s career took off, and it shaped some of the personal struggles he would carry through his career.

Larry Bird rarely speaks of his first marriage, but when he does, it’s with a reflective tone. In his autobiography, he acknowledged that his personal relationships were often distant and that his early life mistakes left emotional wounds. Janet Condra represents a chapter of Bird’s life marked by vulnerability, transition, and change.

Where is Janet Condra Now?

As of today, Janet Condra remains out of the public eye. Her daughter Corrie Bird has built her own family, and Janet is reportedly enjoying life as a grandmother. Despite the fame that surrounds her former spouse, Janet seems content with a life of simplicity and grace.

Her legacy, though understated, is profound—she was the first woman to love and marry one of basketball’s greatest icons, and she raised his only biological child with strength and independence.

Conclusion

Janet Condra’s story is one of quiet resilience, motherhood, and integrity. She did not ride on the coattails of fame nor indulge in media attention. Instead, she carved her own path and focused on family, proving that not all contributions to greatness are loud and visible. Her short-lived marriage to Larry Bird and the birth of Corrie Bird form a small but meaningful chapter in the legend’s life.

For those who admire the larger-than-life story of Larry Bird, understanding the quieter voice of Janet Condra gives insight into the personal struggles and unsung sacrifices behind the spotlight.

Article by: Mating Press Celebrity