Janet Condra is best known as the first wife of NBA legend Larry Bird and the mother of his only biological daughter, Corrie Bird. A native of French Lick, Indiana, Janet met the basketball icon during their years at Springs Valley High School, where they became childhood sweethearts before marrying on November 8, 1975. Their marriage was short-lived, ending in a legal separation and eventual divorce in October 1976, just as Bird’s collegiate career at Indiana State University was beginning to gain national momentum.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn the intricate details of Janet Condra’s life, her relationship with “Larry Legend,” and her journey as a resilient single mother in Indiana. We will explore her career with the United States Postal Service, her second marriage to Mike Deakins, and the complex dynamics of the Bird family’s personal history. Beyond the headlines of the 1970s, this article provides a deep look at how Janet maintained a life of dignity and privacy while raising a daughter who would eventually bridge the gap with her world-famous father.
Early Life in French Lick
Janet Condra was born in the mid-1950s in the small, tight-knit town of French Lick, Indiana. Growing up in a community known for its rural charm and modest lifestyle, she was raised with traditional Midwestern values that prioritized family, hard work, and loyalty.
Her childhood was spent attending local schools and participating in community events that defined life in southern Indiana. These formative years provided the grounded temperament she would later need to navigate the public scrutiny and personal challenges associated with her high-profile first marriage.
High School Sweetheart Romance
Janet met Larry Bird at Springs Valley High School, where they both spent their teenage years as part of a close social circle. They began dating during high school, becoming a well-known couple within their small town as Larry’s local fame as a basketball prodigy started to grow.
Their relationship was built on a shared background and the mutual understanding of life in a small Indiana town. As Larry faced the pressures of being a rising sports star and dealing with personal family tragedies, Janet remained a steady and supportive presence during his senior years.
Marriage to Larry Bird
On November 8, 1975, Janet Condra and Larry Bird were married in a modest ceremony in Indiana. At the time of their wedding, Larry was a student-athlete at Indiana State University, having recently transferred after a brief, unsuccessful stint at Indiana University in Bloomington.
The couple attempted to build a life together while Larry balanced the rigorous demands of college basketball and academic life. However, the pressures of his burgeoning career and the transition into young adulthood proved difficult for the marriage to withstand, leading to significant strain early on.
Divorce and Final Separation
The marriage between Janet and Larry lasted less than a year, with the couple officially filing for divorce in 1976. Despite an attempt at reconciliation during their period of separation, they ultimately decided to end their legal union on October 31, 1976.
The split occurred just as Larry was entering the peak of his collegiate fame, leading to a “Cinderella” run with Indiana State. This timing meant that as Larry became a household name across America, Janet was beginning a new chapter as an independent woman, navigating the emotional fallout of a very public breakup.
Birth of Corrie Bird
In August 1977, Janet gave birth to her only child with Larry, a daughter named Corrie Bird. Corrie’s arrival came during a period of professional transition for Larry, who was preparing for what would become one of the most legendary careers in NBA history with the Boston Celtics.
Janet took on the primary responsibility for raising Corrie in Indiana, ensuring she had a stable and normal childhood despite her father’s global celebrity. The early years of Corrie’s life were marked by a physical and emotional distance from Larry, as he focused on his career in Massachusetts.
Career as Mail Carrier
To support herself and her daughter, Janet Condra pursued a stable career as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service (USPS). This role allowed her to remain rooted in her Indiana community while providing the financial independence necessary to raise a child as a single mother.
Her dedication to her job reflected her desire to live a life away from the glitz and glamour of the sports world. By choosing a career in public service, she maintained a sense of normalcy and privacy that characterized her life for decades following her divorce.
Life as Single Mother
Raising Corrie largely on her own, Janet faced the unique challenges of being the former spouse of a national icon. She worked multiple jobs when necessary to ensure Corrie had access to quality education and opportunities, including participation in local sports and academic clubs.
Janet’s parenting was focused on shielding Corrie from the media spotlight while encouraging her to form her own identity. Her resilience during these years is often cited by those close to the family as a testament to her character and her commitment to her daughter’s well-being.
Second Marriage and Family
Following her divorce from Larry Bird, Janet eventually found love again and married Mike Deakins. This second marriage brought a sense of long-term stability and a second daughter into her life, expanding her family beyond the shadow of her first marriage.
The Deakins family lived a private life in Indiana, far removed from the headlines that followed the Bird name. This period of Janet’s life remains her most guarded, as she intentionally chose to keep her domestic life with Mike out of the public eye.
Relationship with Corrie Bird
The bond between Janet and Corrie has remained exceptionally strong throughout their lives, with Janet serving as Corrie’s primary support system. From school graduations to professional milestones, Janet was the constant presence in her daughter’s life, offering guidance and emotional stability.
As Corrie grew older and sought to establish a connection with her father, Janet supported her daughter’s journey toward reconciliation. She prioritised Corrie’s emotional needs over past grievances, allowing her daughter the space to navigate a complex relationship with the NBA star.
Corrie’s Reconciliation with Larry
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Corrie Bird made successful efforts to reconnect with her father, Larry. This process was famously highlighted when she attended several of his games and milestones, eventually leading to a mended, albeit private, relationship between the two.
Janet played a quiet but crucial role in this process by never standing in the way of their communication. Her maturity allowed Corrie to build a bridge to her father, which culminated in Larry attending Corrie’s wedding to Trent Batson in 2008.
Career and Education of Corrie
Corrie Bird followed in her mother’s footsteps of hard work, earning a degree in Business Administration from Indiana State University. She eventually pursued a successful career in healthcare administration, holding management roles at various medical clinics in Indiana.
Her professional success is a reflection of the work ethic instilled in her by Janet during her upbringing. Today, Corrie is a mother herself, raising her children with the same Indiana values that Janet used to raise her during the 1970s and 80s.
Living Away from Spotlight
Throughout the decades that Larry Bird was winning NBA championships and coaching the Indiana Pacers, Janet Condra remained remarkably silent. She never wrote a “tell-all” book or gave sensationalized interviews to tabloids, choosing instead to protect her family’s privacy.
This commitment to staying out of the spotlight has earned her respect from both the local community and fans of the sport who appreciate her dignity. She continues to reside in Indiana, enjoying a quiet life surrounded by her family and grandchildren.
Janet Condra’s Net Worth
While specific financial records are private, Janet Condra’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. This wealth was primarily accumulated through her long career with the postal service and a modest divorce settlement from the 1970s, before Larry Bird signed his record-breaking NBA contracts.
Her lifestyle has always been described as modest and grounded, emphasizing financial stability over luxury. She has successfully managed her finances to ensure a comfortable retirement in the state she has always called home.
Legacy and Impact
Janet Condra’s legacy is defined by her role as a devoted mother and a woman of quiet strength. In an era where many sought fame through association with celebrities, she chose the path of independence and personal integrity.
She remains a symbol of the “Indiana spirit”—resilient, hardworking, and deeply private. Her story serves as a reminder that the people behind the legends often carry the heaviest burdens with the most grace, ensuring the next generation thrives regardless of the circumstances.
Practical Information and Planning
For those researching the history of French Lick or the biography of Larry Bird, understanding the local context is essential. French Lick is a historic town that remains a popular destination for sports fans and history buffs alike.
- Visiting French Lick: The town is located in southern Indiana and is home to the West Baden Springs Hotel and the French Lick Resort.
- Larry Bird Landmarks: Visitors can see Springs Valley High School, where Janet and Larry met, as well as several local monuments dedicated to the basketball legend.
- Travel Tips: The best time to visit is during the spring or fall for mild weather. The area is easily accessible by car from Indianapolis or Louisville.
- What to Expect: A quiet, scenic town with a deep appreciation for its local heroes and a strong sense of community history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long were Janet Condra and Larry Bird married?
They were married for approximately one year. They wed on November 8, 1975, and legally divorced in October 1976 after a brief attempt at reconciliation.
Does Janet Condra have children with Larry Bird?
Yes, they have one daughter together, Corrie Bird, who was born in August 1977. Corrie is Larry Bird’s only biological child.
What did Janet Condra do for a living?
Janet worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Indiana. She also reportedly held other administrative and community service jobs to support her family as a single mother.
Is Janet Condra still alive?
Yes, Janet Condra is alive and continues to live a private life in Indiana. She has stayed out of the public eye for several decades.
Did Janet Condra ever remarry?
Yes, she married a man named Mike Deakins. They have a daughter together and have maintained a very private life together in Indiana.
Where is Janet Condra from?
She was born and raised in French Lick, Indiana. This is the same small town where Larry Bird grew up, and where they attended high school together.
How did Janet Condra and Larry Bird meet?
They were high school sweethearts at Springs Valley High School. They began dating as teenagers before marrying in their early twenties.
Why did Larry Bird and Janet Condra divorce?
While they have kept specific details private, the divorce was largely attributed to the pressures of Larry’s rising basketball career and the challenges of being a young couple during a period of intense personal change.
Does Corrie Bird have a relationship with Larry Bird now?
Yes, after many years of estrangement, Corrie and Larry reconciled. They now maintain a cordial and private relationship, and Larry has attended several of her major life events.
What is Janet Condra’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be approximately $500,000. This is based on her career earnings and her private lifestyle, rather than any high-profile business ventures.
Does Janet Condra have social media?
No, Janet Condra does not have any public social media accounts. She has consistently chosen to maintain her privacy and avoid the digital spotlight.
Was Janet Condra at Larry Bird’s retirement ceremony?
No, Janet did not attend Larry Bird’s public retirement ceremonies. Their daughter, Corrie, famously attempted to attend his 1993 retirement at the Boston Garden but was not able to connect with him at that specific time.
Final Thoughts
Janet Condra’s life serves as a compelling narrative of personal autonomy and resilience. While the world focused on the meteoric rise of Larry Bird, Janet chose a path of quiet dignity, prioritizing her role as a mother and her commitment to a normal life over the fleeting allure of celebrity association. By maintaining a successful career and providing a stable upbringing for her daughter, Corrie, she proved that one’s identity does not have to be defined by a high-profile past.
Today, Janet remains a respected figure in her Indiana community, embodying the grounded values that first connected her to the “Hick from French Lick.” Her ability to navigate the complexities of a public divorce while fostering a healthy environment for her child is a testament to her character. Janet Condra’s story is not just a footnote in sports history; it is a powerful example of how to lead a meaningful, independent life away from the spotlight.
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