Janet Condra was born in the mid-1960s in the small town of French Lick, Indiana, a place known for its close-knit community and quiet surroundings. Growing up in such an environment, she lived a relatively normal and private life, far removed from the media glare that would later touch her life due to her connection with Larry Bird. She attended Springs Valley High School, where she demonstrated the same diligence and discipline that would later characterize her approach to family life. Even at a young age, Janet exhibited a calm and composed personality, preferring stability and simplicity over attention or drama. Her upbringing in Indiana provided her with strong values and a foundation for the challenges she would face in her personal life, particularly her early relationship with Larry Bird.
Marriage to Larry Bird
Janet Condra’s teenage romance with Larry Bird eventually led to marriage on November 8, 1975, when both were very young. At the time, Larry was emerging as a basketball prodigy, and Janet became part of a world that was beginning to attract public attention. Despite the excitement surrounding Larry’s career, their marriage was short-lived, lasting less than a year before they divorced in 1976. While their union was brief, it had lasting consequences: Janet gave birth to their daughter, Corrie Bird, in 1977. Reports suggest that Larry Bird initially denied paternity, a situation that caused emotional strain. A subsequent paternity test confirmed he was Corrie’s father, but he remained largely absent during her early years. Janet’s experience during this period showcased her resilience, as she navigated the complexities of young motherhood while handling the pressures that came with being connected to a rising sports icon.
Life After Divorce
Following her divorce, Janet Condra chose to focus on her daughter and personal independence. She reportedly worked as a mail carrier in Indiana, a modest but stable occupation that allowed her to support Corrie without depending on external assistance. Janet’s post-divorce life highlights her preference for privacy and a quiet lifestyle; she avoided media scrutiny and chose not to engage with public narratives surrounding Larry Bird’s fame. Over the years, she managed to maintain a sense of normalcy for her daughter, prioritizing family over notoriety. Her story demonstrates a commitment to self-reliance and the importance of creating a secure and nurturing environment for children, even in the shadow of fame.
Janet Condra Bio Table
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Janet Condra |
Known For | First wife of NBA legend Larry Bird |
Date of Birth | Mid-1960s (exact date not publicly known) |
Place of Birth | French Lick, Indiana, USA |
Height | 6 feet 3 inches |
Hair Color | Blonde |
Eye Color | Blue |
Marital Status | Divorced from Larry Bird; remarried (details private) |
Children | Corrie Bird |
Occupation | Former mail carrier; focuses on family life |
Net Worth | Estimated around $500,000 |
Social Media | None |
Public Appearance | Rarely appears in media; prefers privacy |
Notable Facts | Known for resilience, privacy, and raising her daughter independently |

Personal Life and Family
Janet’s personal life remains largely private, and she has kept her second marriage out of the public eye. Sources suggest she remarried and may have had another child, though details remain scarce. Her daughter, Corrie Bird, has since grown up, pursuing a career in healthcare administration and leading a life away from public attention. The family’s focus on privacy reflects Janet’s values: she has consistently chosen personal well-being and familial stability over public recognition. Janet’s approach emphasizes the importance of family as the central pillar of her life, demonstrating that not all stories connected to famous individuals are about fame itself—sometimes, they are about resilience, love, and quiet determination.
Physical Appearance and Personality
Standing at an estimated 6 feet 3 inches, Janet Condra is notably tall, a characteristic she shares with her daughter. She has blonde hair and blue eyes, features often described as striking yet approachable. Beyond her physical appearance, Janet is recognized for her calm and composed demeanor, a personality trait that helped her navigate the challenges of early motherhood, a brief public marriage, and a life largely lived outside the spotlight. Her ability to maintain privacy and dignity throughout these experiences reflects a strength of character that is not easily measured in headlines or public recognition.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Janet Condra’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000, reflecting a modest but comfortable lifestyle. Unlike her ex-husband Larry Bird, whose fortune stems from a professional basketball career and business ventures, Janet’s wealth is derived from years of steady work and careful personal management. Her financial independence underscores her self-reliance and her dedication to providing for her family without seeking the limelight or relying on public associations. Janet’s lifestyle continues to reflect simplicity and privacy, favoring security and normalcy over extravagant public exposure.
Influence on Larry Bird’s Life
Although Janet Condra’s public life has been minimal, her early marriage to Larry Bird left a lasting impact on the basketball legend. Larry has openly admitted in interviews that his first marriage was “the worst mistake I ever made” and that it “scarred him for life.” While these statements focus on Larry’s perspective, they also reflect the intensity of the personal challenges the couple faced during their brief union. Janet’s experience demonstrates how even short-term relationships with highly public figures can influence both parties’ lives profoundly. Despite the difficulties, Janet maintained her dignity and focused on creating stability for her daughter, a choice that highlights her emotional resilience and capacity for prioritizing long-term family well-being over temporary public attention.
Social Media and Public Presenc
In an era dominated by social media, Janet Condra remains completely absent from online platforms. She does not maintain any known accounts, avoiding interviews, public appearances, or social media commentary. This deliberate choice reinforces her desire for privacy and her focus on personal life rather than public perception. Janet’s story serves as a reminder that a fulfilling life does not require constant public validation, and that personal contentment often lies in maintaining boundaries and living according to one’s values.
Legacy and Lessons
Though not a public figure in the traditional sense, Janet Condra’s life offers valuable lessons about resilience, independence, and the power of privacy. She navigated the challenges of young marriage, single motherhood, and public association with a sports legend with dignity and perseverance. Her story demonstrates that personal strength is often most evident in quiet determination, in the ability to prioritize family, and in the choice to live life on one’s own terms. Janet’s journey reminds readers that fame is fleeting, but integrity, courage, and love for family endure.
Conclusio
Janet Condra’s life is a testament to the importance of choosing privacy, fostering resilience, and valuing family above public recognition. While her name is often linked to Larry Bird, her story stands independently as one of strength, independence, and quiet dignity. From her early years in Indiana to raising her daughter and building a life grounded in privacy, Janet has exemplified how one can navigate the challenges of life with grace and determination. Her journey underscores that not all impactful lives are lived in the spotlight, and sometimes, the most inspiring stories are those of ordinary individuals who make extraordinary choices in the course of everyday life.
FAQs
1. Who is Janet Condra?
Janet Condra is best known as the first wife of NBA legend Larry Bird. She is a private individual who has focused on family life rather than public attention.
2. When was Janet Condra married to Larry Bird?
Janet and Larry Bird were married in November 1975. Their marriage lasted less than a year, ending in 1976.
3. Does Janet Condra have children?
Yes, she has a daughter named Corrie Bird with Larry Bird. Corrie has since grown up and leads a private, professional life.
4. What is Janet Condra’s net worth?
Janet Condra’s estimated net worth is around $500,000. This reflects a modest lifestyle and years of steady work.
5. Is Janet Condra active on social media?
No, Janet Condra has no known social media presence. She has consistently chosen privacy over public exposure.