Many know Janet Condra as the first wife of Larry Bird, the famous basketball player. Larry became an NBA legend, winning awards and the hearts of fans everywhere. But Janet’s story is more than just her short marriage to a sports star.
Janet Condra and Larry Bird were high school sweethearts who hoped for a happy life together. They married young, and even though they loved each other, things didn’t go as planned. Their marriage was brief, and they separated after only a few months.
During their brief time together, they had a daughter, Corrie Bird. After the separation, Janet chose to live a quiet and private life. She worked hard to raise Corrie alone and stayed away from the spotlight, even though she was once married to the famous basketball player Larry Bird. In this article, we’ll share Janet’s story—her life with Larry, raising their daughter, and her journey after divorce. So, let’s dive in and find out more!
Quick facts about Janet Condra
- Her full name is Janet Condra.
- She was born in Indiana, USA.
- Her ethnicity is White.
- Her nationality is American.
- Her hair color is Blonde.
- Her eye color is Dark Brown.
- She attended Springs Valley High School.
- She is known as the first wife of Larry Bird.
- She has two kids: Corrie Bird (with Larry Bird) and Mandy (from her second marriage).
- She currently lives a private life.
Who is Janet Condra?
Janet Condra is best known as the ex-wife of Larry Bird, the famous NBA player and coach. She grew up in Indiana and met Larry during high school at Springs Valley High. They started dating as teenagers and eventually got married. Even though their marriage didn’t last long, it brought Janet into the public eye.
Despite her connection to Larry, Janet has always chosen to keep her life private. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight and rarely appears in the media. After her marriage to Larry ended, Janet focused on raising their daughter, Corrie Bird, alone. She worked hard, taking on multiple jobs to support and raise her daughter.
Janet Condra’s Early Life
Janet Condra grew up in Indiana, in the Midwest, where she had a typical American childhood. She attended Springs Valley High School, where she did well in her studies and was friendly with others. At school, she met Larry Bird, who was already known as a talented basketball player with big dreams. However, not much is known about Janet’s family or early years because she has always kept her life private.
Janet and Larry School Love Story
Janet and Larry’s relationship began in high school. They started as close friends, and over time, their friendship turned into love. They became high school sweethearts, spending time together at Springs Valley High. As they spent time together, their bond grew stronger. Later, on November 8, 1975, they decided to get married when they were still very young.
Their wedding was small and simple, attended by close friends and family. Even though they shared a strong relationship, their marriage faced challenges from the start. Moreover, Larry Bird’s growing basketball career made things hard for the couple. The pressures were difficult for them to handle. Keep reading to know what happened next.
A Short-Lived Marriage
Janet and Larry’s marriage started with a lot of hope and excitement, but it didn’t last long. Just a few months after their wedding, they faced problems that led to their separation. By October 1976, they had divorced. Although they tried to manage things and give their relationship another chance, their differences were too hard to handle. Larry’s rising basketball career also added extra tension, making things even harder for them.
Their marriage may have been brief, but it left a lasting impact. Not long after they separated, Janet Condra and Larry Bird welcomed a daughter, Corrie Bird. Even though their romantic relationship ended, they would always be connected through their child. Keep reading to learn about Corrie’s difficult life and the challenges she faced.
Welcoming Their Daughter, Corrie Bird
In 1977, Janet and Larry welcomed their daughter, Corrie Bird, into the world. Her parents’ separation shaped Corrie’s early years, and she often found herself feeling isolated. Her parents’ strained relationship made it difficult for her to connect with her father, especially during her childhood. Janet, however, did everything she could to raise Corrie in a stable and supportive environment, working multiple jobs to provide for her.
As Corrie grew older, she sought ways to bond with her father, even joining her high school basketball team to feel closer to him. Although their relationship was distant for years, it eventually improved as Larry expressed regret over the past. Today, Corrie and Larry share a more positive relationship. Larry also supports financially to his daughter.
Janet Condra’s Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Larry Bird, Janet focused on building a life for herself and her daughter. She worked hard to support Corrie, taking on several jobs to provide a comfortable life. Janet’s resilience shone through as she balanced motherhood with her responsibilities, embracing a quiet, private life.
While many people in her position might have sought public attention, Janet valued her privacy. She chose not to share her personal struggles with the media, instead dedicating herself to raising Corrie away from the spotlight.
Larry Bird’s Life After Divorce
As Janet moved on, so did Larry Bird. In 1989, he married Dinah Mattingly, with whom he adopted two children, Connor and Mariah. Larry’s second marriage brought him stability, and he continued to build his legacy in basketball as a player, coach, and executive. Though he found happiness in his second marriage, his relationship with Corrie remained a complex part of his life until they reconciled later on.
Janet Condra’s Second Marriage
Later in life, Janet found love again and married Mike Deakins. Together, they had a daughter, Mandy, who grew up with a passion for music. Mandy has since become a professional singer, known to perform live at venues like Lincoln Center. At Corrie’s wedding in 2008, Mandy even beautifully sang during the ceremony.
Janet’s second marriage marked a new chapter in her life, one filled with family and love but still largely kept private. Her choice to stay out of the public eye continued, allowing her to focus on her family and personal happiness.
Janet Condra’s Net Worth
While Janet’s net worth is not publicly known, her life seems to be stable and comfortable. Having once been married to Larry Bird, who has an estimated net worth of $80 million, Janet likely received support in the past. However, her decision to lead a private life means that her finances remain undisclosed. This understated approach contrasts with the wealth and fame often associated with high-profile personalities.
Final Thoughts
We’ve looked at the important moments of Janet Condra’s life. Her story shows quiet strength and kindness. Even though she was once married to a famous basketball player, she chose to live a private life. From being a high school girlfriend to a single mother and later finding love again, Janet’s journey shows her independence. Her relationship with Larry Bird made her known, but her own choices shaped a life away from fame.
Janet Condra’s story is about courage and finding happiness in a simple life. Her life is quietly inspiring. We hope you enjoyed learning about her.
(FAQs)
How did Janet Condra and Larry Bird meet?
Janet and Larry met in high school at Springs Valley High in Indiana, where they became close friends and eventually high school sweethearts.
Did Janet and Larry Bird have children together?
Yes, Janet and Larry Bird had one daughter together, Corrie Bird.
Is Janet Condra active on social media?
Janet has chosen to keep her life private and has no active public social media accounts.
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