Janet Condra is remembered as the first wife of Larry Bird, one of the greatest NBA players in history. Their story began in French Lick, Indiana, where they grew up together. They were high school sweethearts, sharing small-town experiences before Bird’s fame skyrocketed. In 1975, they married, but the relationship ended in divorce within a year. Despite this, Janet’s name remains tied to Bird’s biography because she became the mother of his only biological child, Corrie Bird.
Although her marriage was brief, Janet Condra’s life carries more meaning than just being connected to a sports icon. She represents resilience and quiet independence, choosing to live outside the spotlight. While Larry Bird went on to build a legendary basketball career, Janet focused on raising her daughter and working in her local community. Her decision to live privately has given her a unique place in Bird’s story—one that is rarely told but deeply human.
Table of Contents
Early Life & High School Sweethearts
Janet Condra was born and raised in French Lick, Indiana, a small community that valued family and tradition. Growing up in the same town as Larry Bird meant their lives crossed naturally, especially during their school years. Both attended Springs Valley High School, where they formed a close relationship. Their bond was simple, youthful, and built on shared dreams in a quiet Midwestern town.
During high school, Janet and Larry became a well-known couple among friends. Their connection grew stronger as they navigated teenage life in a small-town setting. Many people recall them as the perfect pair—humble, loyal, and supportive of each other. This youthful romance set the stage for what seemed like a lifelong journey together, but life would later take a much different turn.
Marriage to Larry Bird & Its Challenges
Janet Condra and Larry Bird married in 1975, a time when Bird’s basketball journey was only beginning. At first, the marriage carried the charm of young love, but challenges soon arrived. Larry was focused on his college career, while Janet was adjusting to adult responsibilities. Their different priorities quickly created distance, and their union struggled to hold under the weight of new pressures.
By 1976, less than a year after exchanging vows, Janet and Larry divorced. Bird would later describe this short marriage as one of his biggest personal mistakes, admitting that it left a lasting mark on him. For Janet, the divorce was difficult, but it marked the start of her journey as a single woman who chose strength and independence.
Motherhood: Raising Corrie Bird
In 1977, Janet gave birth to Corrie Bird, her daughter with Larry Bird. At first, Bird reportedly questioned paternity, but tests later confirmed that Corrie was his biological child. Despite this, Larry’s relationship with his daughter was distant during her early years, leaving Janet with the responsibility of raising her mostly on her own.
Being a single mother in a small town was never easy, but Janet handled it with grace. She focused on giving Corrie a stable upbringing, balancing work with her role as a caregiver. Over time, Corrie grew up aware of her father’s fame but more connected to the everyday love and guidance of her mother.
Janet Condra & Corrie Bird
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Daughter’s Name | Corrie Bird |
| Year of Birth | 1977 |
| Father | Larry Bird (NBA legend) |
| Raised By | Primarily Janet Condra |
Life After Divorce: Career, Independence, and Privacy
After her divorce, Janet Condra chose a life far away from the media. She worked as a mail carrier in Indiana, a role that gave her stability and independence. Unlike many who might seek publicity from being linked to a sports legend, Janet valued privacy. She became known in her community as hardworking, grounded, and dedicated to her daughter.
Later, Janet remarried a man named Mike Deakins, creating a new chapter in her life. This marriage gave her more stability and companionship, and together they built a quiet family life. By keeping herself away from fame and headlines, Janet showed that happiness does not always require public recognition.
Relationship with Larry & Public Narrative
Larry Bird’s relationship with Janet Condra remained distant after their separation. While he acknowledged his marriage as a mistake, he rarely spoke publicly about her. His focus was always on basketball, which left little space for his personal relationships in the public eye.
For Janet, this silence was not unwelcome. She never chased attention, and her preference for privacy matched Bird’s reluctance to discuss personal matters. Their connection remained through their daughter Corrie, but even that bond had its challenges over the years. This private narrative highlighted how fame and personal life often exist in two very separate worlds.
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Where Is Janet Condra Now? Legacy & Public Perception
Today, Janet Condra lives a quiet life in Indiana, away from the public stage. She is not active on social media, rarely makes public appearances, and has built a personal world focused on family and peace. Unlike many connected to famous figures, she has chosen complete privacy as her legacy.
Her life story, however, carries meaning for those who look deeper. Janet Condra’s journey is about resilience, independence, and strength. By raising her daughter, building a career, and avoiding the distractions of fame, she represents the many untold stories of people connected to icons but choosing their own path.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage | Married Larry Bird (1975–1976) |
| Child | Corrie Bird (born 1977) |
| Career | Mail carrier in Indiana |
| Later Life | Remarried Mike Deakins, private life |
FAQs About Janet Condra
1. Who is Janet Condra?
Janet Condra is the first wife of NBA legend Larry Bird and the mother of his only biological daughter, Corrie Bird.
2. When did Janet Condra marry Larry Bird?
She married Bird in 1975, but they divorced less than a year later in 1976.
3. Does Janet Condra have children?
Yes, she gave birth to Corrie Bird in 1977 and raised her mostly as a single mother.
4. What did Janet Condra do after divorce?
She worked as a mail carrier in Indiana, remarried Mike Deakins, and lived a private life.
5. Where is Janet Condra now?
She lives quietly in Indiana, away from fame, focusing on family and personal peace.
