Where is Janet Condra Now? All About Larry Bird’s First Wife And Life After Divorce

Janet Condra is best known as the first wife of Larry Bird, one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. While many recognize her name because of her connection to the sports legend, Janet’s story goes much deeper than just being married to a famous athlete. She was Larry’s high school sweetheart, and their relationship began long before he became a basketball star. Despite their marriage ending quickly, Janet’s life after the divorce—raising their daughter alone, building her own career, and choosing to live a quiet, private life away from the spotlight—is both inspiring and rarely told. This article will explore Janet’s early years, her relationship with Larry Bird, the challenges she faced after their separation, and her decision to keep her personal life private over the years.

Quick Facts About Janet Condra

📛 Full Name: Janet Condra

🎂 Born: 1950s (Exact year not known)

🏠 Hometown: French Lick, Indiana, USA

🎓 School: Springs Valley High School

💍 First Marriage: Married Larry Bird in 1975, divorced in 1976

👧 Children: One daughter, Corrie Bird (born 1977)

📮 Job: Worked as a mail carrier in Indiana

💑 Second Marriage: Later married Mike Deakins, kept private

📍 Now Living: Quiet life, most likely still in Indiana

Early Life and Background of Janet Condra

Janet Condra was born in the 1950s in French Lick, a small town in Indiana known for its close-knit community. She grew up in a simple, caring family where neighbors felt like extended family members. As a child and teenager, Janet enjoyed the quiet life of her hometown, spending time outdoors and taking part in local activities. She attended Springs Valley High School, where she was friendly and well-liked by classmates. Before meeting Larry Bird, Janet was known for being warm, down-to-earth, and active in school events, living a typical small-town childhood full of simple joys and close friendships.

Age, Ethnicity, Nationality, And Physical Appearance

Janet Condra was born in the 1950s, making her likely in her early to mid-70s today. She is American and grew up in Indiana, which is part of the United States. Janet comes from a white, Caucasian background typical of many families in her small town. While there are few public photos, she is often described as having a simple and natural appearance, reflecting her modest and private lifestyle. Her look matches her quiet personality—down-to-earth and unpretentious.

Meeting Larry Bird: The High School Sweethearts

Janet Condra and Larry Bird met while they were both students at Springs Valley High School in French Lick, Indiana. As teenagers, they quickly became close and were known as high school sweethearts in their small town. Larry was already passionate about basketball and spent many hours practicing to improve his skills and reach his dream of playing professionally. During this time, Janet was a strong and caring partner who supported Larry’s hard work and believed in his future. Their relationship was important not just to them but also to their community, as everyone admired the young couple’s bond in a town where personal connections meant a lot.

Who Is Larry Bird?

Larry Bird is a famous American basketball player known for his incredible skills and achievements. He played most of his career with the Boston Celtics in the NBA during the 1980s. Bird helped his team win three NBA championships and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times. He is remembered as one of the greatest basketball players ever because of his shooting, passing, and leadership on the court. After retiring as a player, Larry also worked as a coach and team executive, continuing to influence the sport.

Janet Condra and Larry Bird’s Marriage

Janet Condra and Larry Bird dated for several years before deciding to get married in 1975. Their wedding was a simple ceremony held in Indiana, attended mostly by close friends and family from their small town. As a young couple, they faced many challenges, especially because Larry’s basketball career was starting to take off. He spent most of his time practicing and traveling, which made it hard for them to stay close. After less than a year, their marriage ended in divorce in 1976. Larry later said that getting married so young was his “biggest mistake,” showing how much the experience affected him as he focused on his future in basketball.

Life After Divorce: Raising Daughter Corrie Bird as a Single Mother

After their divorce, Janet Condra gave birth to their daughter, Corrie Bird, in 1977. At first, Larry Bird did not believe Corrie was his child and denied paternity, but after a test confirmed he was the father, he accepted it. Despite this, Larry stayed mostly focused on his basketball career and was not very involved in Corrie’s life. Janet faced many challenges raising Corrie alone but showed great strength and determination. She worked hard to provide a stable and loving home, making sure her daughter felt cared for and supported even without Larry’s presence.

Janet Condra’s Career and Personal Life Post-Divorce

After her divorce from Larry Bird, Janet Condra embraced a life of privacy and resilience. She worked diligently to support herself and her daughter, Corrie Bird, taking on multiple jobs to ensure a stable and loving environment. Janet’s commitment to her family remained steadfast, even as she chose to keep her personal life away from the public eye. Despite the challenges she faced, she maintained a quiet dignity, focusing on raising her daughter and building a life grounded in simplicity and strength.

Janet Condra’s Second Marriage and Later Family Life

After her divorce from Larry Bird, Janet Condra married Mike Deakins. She chose to keep this second marriage very private, avoiding media attention and public discussions. While not many details are known about her family life with Mike, it is clear that Janet valued a quiet and stable home. Reports suggest she had children with Mike, but she kept their lives away from the public eye. Compared to her first marriage, this relationship was much calmer and more private, giving Janet the peace and stability she wanted after her earlier challenges.

Janet Condra’s Relationship with Larry Bird After Divorce

Years after her divorce from Larry Bird, Janet Condra remarried a man named Mike Deakins. Unlike her first marriage, Janet chose to keep her second marriage very private and away from the media spotlight. There is little public information about their family life, showing how much she valued privacy and a peaceful home. Janet and Mike built a more stable and quiet life together, which was very different from the challenges she faced during her first marriage. While it is known that she had children with Mike, details about them remain private, reflecting Janet’s wish to keep her family life out of public attention.

Public Perception and Media Attention

Janet Condra has mostly stayed out of the public eye, which means the media rarely talks about her in detail. Over the years, she has avoided interviews, books, or any public appearances that would draw attention. This is very different from Larry Bird, who became a worldwide basketball star and was often in the spotlight. Janet’s choice to live privately has shaped how people see her—not as a celebrity but as a strong woman who quietly managed her own life away from fame.

Where is Janet Condra Now?

Today, Janet Condra is believed to be in her early to mid-70s and likely still lives in Indiana. She continues to live a peaceful and quiet life, far from the world of sports and media. There are no public records of her being active on social media or attending public events. Some reports suggest she might be involved in mentoring or helping her local community, but she keeps these activities private. Her decision to maintain privacy shows her wish to focus on what matters most—family and personal peace.

Legacy and Lessons from Janet Condra’s Life

Janet’s life teaches us a lot about strength and resilience. Despite facing the challenges of a difficult marriage and raising her daughter alone, she kept her dignity and chose a path that brought her stability. She quietly persevered, showing that it is possible to live a meaningful life outside of the public spotlight. Her story is a reminder that not everyone connected to fame wants or needs to be famous themselves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Janet Condra’s journey from being a young lover of a future basketball legend to living a private life is inspiring. She chose peace over publicity and strength over drama. Her quiet determination and grounded lifestyle offer valuable lessons about love, loss, and personal growth. Her story encourages us to respect privacy and find happiness in simple, everyday moments rather than seeking attention or fame.

(FAQs)

1. Who is Janet Condra?

Janet Condra is best known as Larry Bird’s first wife. They were high school sweethearts from Indiana, and she is the mother of their daughter, Corrie Bird.

2. When did Janet Condra marry Larry Bird?

Janet and Larry Bird got married in 1975. Their marriage lasted less than a year before they divorced in 1976.

3. Did Janet Condra and Larry Bird have children?

Yes, they have one daughter named Corrie Bird, who was born in 1977 after their divorce.

4. What did Janet Condra do after her divorce from Larry Bird?

After the divorce, Janet worked as a mail carrier in Indiana and raised her daughter as a single mother.

5. Did Janet Condra get married again?

Yes, Janet later married Mike Deakins. She kept this marriage private and stayed out of the public eye.

6. Was Larry Bird involved in raising his daughter Corrie?

Larry Bird was not very involved in Corrie’s life. Janet raised her mostly on her own.

7. Where does Janet Condra live now?

Janet Condra lives a private life, likely still in Indiana, away from the spotlight.

8. Why is Janet Condra’s story important?

Her story shows strength and privacy, highlighting how she raised her daughter and built a quiet life despite being connected to a famous person.