Have you ever asked, “Who is Janet Condra?” Many people type her name on Google, but the answer is not always simple. Most people know her because she was once married to Larry Bird, one of the greatest basketball players ever. But Janet Condra’s story is not just about being Larry Bird’s wife.
Her life is like a part of a book that most people do not see. She grew up in Indiana, met Larry Bird when they were both in school, and became part of his early life. Their marriage did not last long, but it still changed her life in many ways. After the marriage ended, she chose to take care of her children and live quietly, away from cameras and fame.
People search her name because they want to know the woman behind the famous player. Was she only Larry Bird’s first wife? What happened after they split up? How did she raise her daughter Corrie while keeping her life private?
In this article, you will learn about Janet Condra’s early years, her marriage, her family, and how she stayed strong through hard times. By the end, you will see her as more than just a name—you will see her as a mother, a wife, and a woman who kept going even when life was tough.
Quick Facts: Snapshot of Janet Condra
Here is a simple table that shows important facts about Janet Condra. Many people know her as Larry Bird’s ex-wife, but there is more to her story than that.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Janet Condra |
| Birth Year & Place | Mid-1960s, Indiana, USA |
| Education | Springs Valley High School |
| Marriage with Larry Bird | November 1975 (Larry Bird’s first marriage) |
| Divorce | October 1976 |
| Children | Corrie (with Larry Bird), Mandy (with second husband Mike Deakins) |
| Profession(s) | Worked different jobs to support family |
| Current Status | Janet Condra today lives a quiet life with family |
Even though her marriage to Larry Bird was short, it became part of basketball history. After the divorce, she worked hard to raise her daughter and keep her life steady. Later, she found love again and made a new family with her second husband.
This quick look shows Janet Condra as more than just “Larry Bird’s ex-wife.” She is also a strong woman who chose her own way in life.
Early Life & Background
Janet Condra grew up in small towns in Indiana. Life there was simple. Families knew each other, and kids played outside after school. People cared about hard work and family.
She went to Springs Valley High School. This was also the school where Larry Bird studied. Janet was an average student but friendly and well-liked. She enjoyed school, especially since sports were a big part of the culture. At that time, nobody knew her name would be linked to a future basketball star.
Janet and Larry met when they were teenagers. They first became friends and later got closer. For Janet, Larry was not yet famous. He was just another boy from Indiana with dreams. Their friendship was honest and grew naturally.
Janet’s early years show she was a normal girl who later faced tough times. She never asked for the spotlight. She was pulled into it because of who she married. But the values she learned in childhood helped her stay strong.
Marriage with Larry Bird: Love & Challenges
In November 1975, Janet Condra married Larry Bird. The wedding was small and simple, just like many small-town weddings. Janet likely believed she was starting a happy life with love and shared dreams. At that time, Larry was not yet famous. He was just beginning his journey in basketball.
But soon after, problems started. The couple had money struggles. Larry was busy with basketball, and fame slowly added stress. Janet wanted a calm family life. These different needs caused clashes.
They also had misunderstandings. Young love is strong, but marriage takes patience. Both were still learning. Within months, their bond grew weak. By October 1976, less than a year later, they divorced.
For Janet, the breakup was painful. She became known as Larry Bird’s first wife, even though their time together was short. The marriage showed her how hard fame and sports life could be.
Today, people still search her name to learn about that short marriage. Janet now lives quietly, but her time as Larry Bird’s wife remains part of basketball history.
Life After Divorce: Struggles & Survival
After the divorce, Janet’s life changed a lot. She became a single mother to Corrie, her daughter with Larry Bird. Raising a child alone was hard. Money was tight, and she worked different jobs to provide for her family.
Being Larry Bird’s ex-wife also brought attention. Some people and media wanted to know her story. But Janet did not want fame. She chose a private life so she could protect Corrie.
Every day, Janet showed strength. She worked long hours, paid bills, and gave her daughter love. Her story was not about fame but about survival.
Later, she found love again, remarried, and grew her family. These years proved who she really was—a strong mother, a private person, and a woman with quiet courage.
Her life story shows she was more than just Larry Bird’s ex-wife. Janet Condra today stands as an example of strength and resilience.
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Relationship with Daughter Corrie Bird
Corrie’s Childhood and Missing Father
Corrie Bird grew up without her dad around much. Larry Bird, her father, was busy with basketball. He traveled often and had games all over the country. For Corrie, this meant many birthdays, holidays, and school events passed without her father. Janet Condra, her mom, did her best to fill that space. She worked hard and gave Corrie love and support.
Kids often ask where their dad is. Corrie sometimes felt this gap. She saw other children with both parents at home. For her, that was not the case. This absence shaped her childhood and made her very close to her mom.
Larry Bird’s Initial Absence
Larry Bird, known worldwide as a great player, was almost absent in Corrie’s early life. He focused on training, games, and fame. Corrie felt left out, and their bond was weak. For years, she was mostly raised by Janet Condra alone.
This lack of contact caused pain. For Corrie, it was not about basketball wins. She only wanted her dad’s time and care. Janet had to explain that fame comes with its own demands. Still, Corrie carried that emptiness with her.
Later Reconciliation Between Corrie & Larry
As Corrie grew older, things slowly changed. Larry Bird started to reach out more. He realized the bond with his daughter mattered. Corrie also wanted answers and a relationship with him. Their talks were not easy, but they helped heal old wounds.
Over time, Corrie and Larry began to rebuild. They shared family moments and tried to close the gap left in her younger years. While it was not perfect, it was a step toward understanding.
Emotional Impact
The story of Corrie Bird is not just about basketball fame. It is about a child longing for her father. Janet Condra’s strength and love carried her through the tough years. Larry’s later effort showed that even broken bonds can be repaired.
Corrie Bird’s life reminds us that family ties are powerful. Even with distance, the hope of connection never fades.
Second Marriage & New Family
Marriage to Mike Deakins
After her divorce from Larry Bird, Janet Condra found love again. She married Mike Deakins, a man outside the spotlight. Their marriage gave her the peace and support she wanted. Unlike her first marriage, this one was calm and steady.
Daughter Mandy and Her Singing Career
Together, Janet and Mike had a daughter named Mandy. Mandy grew up with music in her heart. She became known for her singing talent. While Corrie carried the Bird family name, Mandy followed her own path in music. Janet was proud of both daughters.
Mandy’s journey showed that talent can shine in many ways. While her father-in-law was a sports star, Mandy chose the stage. This gave the family a fresh story, away from basketball fame.
Private Family Values
Janet Condra now enjoyed a more balanced life. She focused on simple family values like love, respect, and privacy. With Mike and her children, she created a safe home. Unlike her first marriage, her second one was not tied to fame.
Janet Condra today is known more for her role as a wife and mother than for being Larry Bird’s ex-wife. Her quiet choices helped her family grow strong in their own way.
Public vs Private Life: Why Janet Stayed Out of Spotlight
Reasons for Avoiding Fame
After her short marriage with Larry Bird, Janet could have stayed in the public eye. Many people wanted to know her story. But she chose privacy. She wanted peace for herself and her children. Fame was not her goal. Stability was.
Comparison with Larry Bird’s High-Profile Career
Larry Bird’s life was the opposite. He was always in the news—games, interviews, and awards. Cameras followed him everywhere. Janet lived in the shadows of this fame but never tried to chase it. She wanted her kids to grow up without that pressure.
This contrast showed two paths. Larry became a global star. Janet became the quiet strength behind her family. Both choices mattered, but Janet valued a simple life.
Media Curiosity vs. Her Privacy Choice
Even today, media outlets sometimes search for Janet Condra. People want updates on Larry Bird’s ex-wife. But Janet Condra today keeps her distance. She has never written books or sought attention. Instead, she lets her life speak through her family.
By staying private, Janet avoided the stress that fame often brings. She is remembered not only as Larry Bird’s ex-wife but also as a woman who chose peace over popularity.
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Net Worth, Career, & Personal Life
Estimated Net Worth (~$500K)
Janet Condra never lived a rich celebrity life. Her estimated net worth is around $500,000. This money came from her steady jobs, savings, and the support she gave her family. Unlike Larry Bird, who made millions from basketball, Janet kept a simple lifestyle.
Work History (Mail Carrier & Other Jobs)
After her divorce, Janet worked many jobs. She became a mail carrier, a steady job that gave her income. She also worked in other roles when needed to care for her children. These jobs were not glamorous, but they showed her strong work ethic.
Simple Lifestyle vs. Larry Bird’s $75M Wealth
Larry Bird’s wealth is reported at $75 million. He earned it from basketball, coaching, and business deals. Janet lived very differently. She did not chase fame or big money. Instead, she focused on home, family, and daily needs.
| Person | Net Worth | Lifestyle |
|---|---|---|
| Janet Condra | ~$500K | Simple, family-focused |
| Larry Bird | ~$75M | Fame, sports, media |
Janet Condra today is remembered for her quiet life. She may not have riches, but she built strength, stability, and dignity.
Lessons from Janet Condra’s Life
Resilience, Strength, and Motherhood
Janet Condra’s biography teaches us about strength. She faced divorce, money struggles, and life as a single mom. Yet, she stayed resilient. She worked hard and raised her daughter with care.
Living Beyond Fame
Many people only see her as Larry Bird’s wife. But Janet proved that life is more than fame. She built a second family, supported her kids, and lived quietly. Fame faded, but her values lasted.
What Readers Can Learn
Her story shows us lessons:
- Family first — she always placed her children before fame.
- Privacy matters — she avoided the spotlight to protect her peace.
- Strength wins — she proved that hard work and love build lasting respect.
Janet Condra biography reminds us that success is not always about money or fame. Sometimes, it is about being strong, loving, and true to yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Janet Condra?
Janet Condra is best known as Larry Bird’s first wife. But beyond that, she is a mother, a worker, and a woman who built a quiet life for herself.
How long was she married to Larry Bird?
Janet married Larry Bird in November 1975. Their marriage lasted less than a year, and they divorced in October 1976.
Did Larry Bird and Janet Condra have children?
Yes. They had one daughter together named Corrie Bird. Corrie grew up mostly with her mother but later reconnected with her father.
Is Janet Condra still alive today?
Yes. Janet Condra today lives a private life with her family. She avoids the spotlight and focuses on home and loved ones.
What is Janet Condra’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be around $500,000, mostly from steady work and savings. This is far less than Larry Bird’s $75 million fortune.
Why is Janet Condra private?
She chose a quiet life after her divorce. Unlike Larry Bird, she did not want media attention. She focused on raising her children and building peace.
Janet Condra today is remembered not just as Larry Bird’s ex-wife but as a strong woman who valued family and privacy. Her story continues to inspire those who search for her name.
Disclaimer: This article about Janet Condra is written for informational and educational purposes only. The details shared here are based on publicly available sources and careful research. We do not claim to have personal ties to Janet Condra, Larry Bird, or their family. Some information may change over time, and readers are encouraged to check reliable sources for the latest updates. The goal of this content is to help readers understand Janet Condra’s life story and legacy, not to invade her privacy.
Samantha Grey is a thoughtful and creative writer who enjoys bringing ideas to life through clear and engaging words. She specializes in lifestyle, culture, and digital trends, making complex topics easy for everyone to understand. With over 8 years of writing experience, Samantha has built a reputation for creating content that is both informative and enjoyable to read. Her passion for storytelling helps her connect with readers, inspire new perspectives, and share knowledge in a friendly, approachable way.