First Wife of Larry Bird, Janet Condra: the untold story

It was Larry Bird who led the Boston Celtics to three championships during the 1980s, which made mistakes on the court inevitable. The C’s relied heavily on their superstar forward, which made errors on the court inevitable. For the three-time MVP, however, one of the most significant mistakes occurred off the court when he married at the age of 19.

The divorce of Bird’s first wife, Janet Condra, led to a similar outcome within a year of their marriage. Bird had previously believed that divorce was the mark of the devil. 

In the wake of their divorce, Larry learned of Condra’s pregnancy, which he referred to as his “biggest mistake.”.

It was my biggest mistake ever getting married. I’ve learned from everything that has happened to me, but that scarred me for life,” Bird said. “That and being broke shaped me for life.”

It sheds light on a character who has largely remained in the shadows, as well as Condra’s life after her divorce from Larry Bird.

Larry Bird’s Early Life and Meeting

Janet Condra grew up in Indiana, the basketball heartland of the United States, in the mid-1960s. While a student at Springs Valley High School, she met Larry Bird, a young man who would go on to become one of the greatest basketball icons of all time. Life took a dramatic turn when she met Bird.

It was during these formative years that their paths crossed, setting the stage for an increasingly popular relationship.

The challenges of marriage

A simple wedding ceremony in November 1975 resulted in Condra and Bird’s marriage lasting less than a year due to undisclosed issues that culminated in their separation in October 1976.

A daughter was born to their union in 1977, Corrie, who unfortunately grew up surrounded by the turmoil of her parents’ relationship.

Divorce and Life After

Condra faced difficult times following her divorce. Although little is known about her professional career, it has been reported that she worked multiple jobs to support her family, demonstrating resilience and commitment to raising her daughter. Due to their association with Larry Bird, she preferred to keep their lives private from the media.

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The relationship between Larry Bird and his daughter

After their divorce, Condra and Bird’s relationship was fraught with difficulties, which negatively affected Corrie.

As a result of Larry’s commitment to his career and personal life, Corrie publicly expressed her desire to be closer to him. Larry Bird, who promised emotional and financial support to his daughter, recognized the importance of reconciling with her.

The second marriage of Janet Condra

Having parted ways with Larry Bird, she married Mike Deakins and had a daughter, Mandy, who pursued a career in music, performing live shows, notably at the wedding of her half-sister. As Condra maintains a preference for a life away from the spotlight, her second marriage and family life have remained private.

While her first marriage to Bird may define his public persona, those close to him recognize her as a resilient woman, a loving mother, and a figure of strength. She has chosen privacy over publicity most of her life. Even in the face of ups and downs, she has maintained a dignified presence, concentrating on what matters most: “my family.”

Dinah Mattingly and Bird Mattingly were married in 1989

Bird’s career took off after he got divorced. He became one of the most accomplished players in the league, and established himself as the greatest player in franchise history.

The Celtics forward decided to try marriage again in 1989. He married his longtime girlfriend, Dinah Mattingly, in an intimate ceremony with just five guests.

Both Larry’s bride and groom wore stonewashed jeans for his second wedding, which took place at a friend’s house outside Terre Haute, Indiana.

His failed marriage gives him nightmares

Even after finding love with Dinah, Bird could not let go of the haunting memories of his first marriage. The burden of a broken family continued to haunt him, causing him recurring nightmares.

It seems like I still have those bad dreams every now and then,” Bird continued. “My wife keeps trying to get me back with her, but Dinah is there, too, and I keep saying to her, ‘I don’t want to go with her.'”

Dinah and Larry have been married for 34 years, and they have adopted two children, Conner and Mariah. Despite the challenges Larry faced as a married teenager, Larry found redemption and enduring love in his second marriage to Dinah.