Janet Condra was born in the early 1950s in the small town of French Lick, Indiana, the same rural community where basketball legend Larry Bird was raised. Growing up in a quiet, tight-knit environment, Janet lived a life rooted in Midwestern values, where family and faith played central roles. She attended Springs Valley High School, the same school as Larry, and it was there that their paths first crossed.
Though not widely documented, Janet was known among peers for being reserved and grounded. Her upbringing shaped the kind of resilience and humility that would define her later life. Her parents were working-class, and she is believed to have had siblings, though specific information remains private, in line with how she has maintained a life out of the spotlight.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Janet Condra |
|---|---|
| Born | Early 1950s |
| Birthplace | French Lick, Indiana |
| Education | Springs Valley High School |
| First Marriage | Larry Bird (1975–1976) |
| Second Marriage | Mike Deakins |
| Children | Corrie Bird, Mandy |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Religion | Christian |
| Net Worth | ~$500,000 |
| Known For | Ex-wife of Larry Bird |
| Current Status | Private life in Indiana |
Love, Marriage, and the Spotlight
Janet and Larry Bird’s love story began during their high school years. What started as a quiet teenage romance eventually grew into a bond that seemed unbreakable. In 1975, the couple tied the knot, making Janet Condra the first wife of the man who would become an NBA icon. The marriage, however, came at a challenging time. Larry Bird was just beginning to chase his basketball dreams, and with ambition came distance, pressure, and inevitable strain.
The demands of Larry’s rising career clashed with the demands of early married life. Their brief union would last less than a year, officially ending in divorce in October 1976. The spotlight that surrounded Larry even in his early career didn’t spare Janet. She found herself entangled in a high-profile relationship that was emotionally taxing, deeply personal, and unfortunately very public.
The Short-Lived Marriage
Despite a romantic start, the relationship between Janet and Larry Bird quickly deteriorated. By Larry’s own admission in later interviews, the marriage was a decision made too hastily. He has since referred to it as a major regret, even saying it “scarred him for life.” Those years, particularly 1975 to 1977, were full of transition. Larry left Indiana State University briefly, returned to basketball, and tried to navigate life as a young husband.
Janet, meanwhile, was trying to hold together the fragments of a marriage that no longer had a foundation. The separation was not amicable in the emotional sense, but it was legally straightforward. With Larry moving on to focus on basketball, Janet was left to rebuild her life.
Life After Larry Bird
Shortly after the divorce, Janet gave birth to Corrie Bird in August 1977, her only child with Larry Bird. While Corrie inherited the Bird surname, she was raised primarily by Janet. The years that followed were difficult but shaped Janet into a woman of strong resolve. She worked local jobs, including as a mail carrier, and did everything she could to provide Corrie with stability.
Janet later remarried. Her second husband, Mike Deakins, became part of her renewed chapter, and the couple had another daughter, Mandy. This period of her life is marked by a conscious retreat from fame. She focused on motherhood, church, and quiet living—far removed from the celebrity buzz surrounding her ex-husband.
Relationship With Corrie Bird and Family Dynamics
One of the more sensitive aspects of Janet Condra’s life is the relationship between Corrie and Larry Bird. During Corrie’s childhood, Larry Bird was mostly absent. The relationship between father and daughter was strained for many years, something Corrie has discussed in interviews. Janet, on the other hand, was ever-present. She was the one who attended school events, helped with homework, and acted as the emotional bedrock for her family.
Despite a lack of paternal support from Larry, Janet never publicly criticized him. Instead, she let her actions and stability speak for themselves. Over time, Corrie did seek a connection with her father, and though it was difficult, some reconciliation did occur in adulthood. Janet’s role in that healing process is often underappreciated but deeply significant.
Janet Condra’s Personal Life and Character
Janet Condra is described by those close to her as a quiet, faith-driven woman. She has chosen a life of intentional privacy, rarely speaking to the media or making public appearances. Physically, she has been described as average height, with blonde hair and dark brown eyes. Her presence is graceful, and she carries the humility of someone who has known both public scrutiny and personal peace.
Her beliefs are rooted in Christian values, and much of her time has been spent involved in local church communities and charitable endeavors. She is someone who believed in resilience through grace and didn’t allow her identity to be reduced to “Larry Bird’s ex-wife.”
Financial Life and Net Worth
Janet Condra is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $500,000. This figure is not based on media deals or fame but comes from decades of quiet, honest work and financial prudence. Her employment as a mail carrier and other local jobs gave her a steady income, and she maintained a modest, practical lifestyle.
Unlike many people connected to celebrities, Janet never tried to cash in on her association with Larry Bird. She avoided tell-all books, interviews, and reality TV opportunities. Her financial choices reflect the values she has held since childhood: live within your means, stay grounded, and always put family first.
Absence from the Public Eye
One of the most defining aspects of Janet Condra’s life is her complete withdrawal from the public spotlight. In an age where social media dominates and fame is currency, Janet has zero presence online. There are no verified profiles, no viral moments, and no interviews. Her refusal to engage with the fame machine is both rare and admirable.
It speaks to a woman who wants her legacy to be built on quiet dignity rather than public validation. Her story is one of choosing inner peace over outer noise. It’s why many people search for her even today—not because she is famous, but because she represents something authentic.
Legacy and Public Curiosity
Despite her desire for privacy, Janet Condra continues to spark public interest. This is largely due to her early connection with Larry Bird, but it has grown into something more. People want to understand the woman who played a formative role in the life of one of basketball’s greatest legends.
Her story resonates with readers who value resilience, grace, and independence. She may not have graced magazine covers or walked red carpets, but her legacy is one of emotional strength and loyalty to those she loves. In a world increasingly focused on celebrity, Janet stands out as a reminder of the power of living quietly but meaningfully.
Conclusion – A Life of Quiet Resilience
Janet Condra’s story is not one of fame or fortune but of quiet strength, emotional endurance, and deep personal values. As the first love and wife of Larry Bird, her life could have followed a very different path. Instead, she chose a journey defined by motherhood, privacy, and dignity. Her legacy isn’t carved in headlines but in the hearts of those who know her true story.
For every person curious about the women behind great men, Janet Condra is proof that the most meaningful stories are often the least told. She remains a symbol of grace under pressure and of the powerful choice to live life on your own terms.
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FAQs
Who is Janet Condra?
Janet Condra is the first wife of NBA legend Larry Bird and the mother of his daughter Corrie Bird.
How long were Janet Condra and Larry Bird married?
They were married for less than a year, from 1975 to 1976.
Does Janet Condra have children?
Yes, she has two daughters: Corrie Bird with Larry Bird and Mandy with her second husband, Mike Deakins.
What is Janet Condra’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $500,000, based on years of modest work and savings.
Where is Janet Condra now?
She lives a private life in Indiana, away from the public spotlight.
