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The Private Life Of Larry Bird's Wife: 7 Surprising Facts About Dinah Mattingly And His First Marriage

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For over three decades, Dinah Mattingly has been the steadfast anchor in the life of NBA icon Larry Bird. While the "Hick from French Lick" dominated the basketball court, his personal life—especially his long-term marriage to Dinah and his famously brief first union—has remained largely out of the spotlight, fueling curiosity among fans. This article, updated for late 2024, delves into the private world of the two women who have held the title of Larry Bird's wife, revealing surprising details about their relationships, their children, and the quiet life they lead away from the NBA glare. The story of Larry Bird's family is one of two very different chapters: a youthful, tumultuous first marriage that lasted just over a year, and a second, enduring partnership that has lasted for 35 years and counting, built on a foundation of mutual privacy and Midwestern roots.

Larry Bird's Wives and Children: A Complete Biography

The life of Larry Bird, from a small-town Indiana boy to a global basketball legend, has been shared with two women: his first wife, Janet Condra, and his current wife, Dinah Mattingly.

Larry Bird Profile & Biography

  • Full Name: Larry Joe Bird
  • Date of Birth: December 7, 1956
  • Place of Birth: West Baden Springs, Indiana, U.S.
  • Age (as of late 2024): 67
  • Wives: Janet Condra (m. 1975; div. 1976), Dinah Mattingly (m. 1989)
  • Children: Corrie Bird (with Janet Condra), Connor Bird (adopted with Dinah Mattingly), Mariah Bird (adopted with Dinah Mattingly)
  • NBA Career: Boston Celtics (1979–1992)
  • Key Achievements: 3× NBA Champion, 3× NBA MVP, 12× NBA All-Star, Hall of Famer

Dinah Mattingly: The Long-Term Partner

  • Full Name: Dinah Mattingly
  • Date of Birth: November 16, 1954
  • Place of Birth: Vigo County, Indiana, U.S.
  • Age (as of late 2024): 70
  • Occupation: Former High School Teacher, Philanthropist
  • Relationship Status: Married to Larry Bird (since 1989)
  • Education: Indiana State University

Janet Condra: The High School Sweetheart

  • Full Name: Janet Condra
  • Relationship Status: Divorced from Larry Bird (1976)
  • Known For: Larry Bird's first wife and mother of his biological daughter, Corrie Bird.

The Untold Story of Larry Bird’s First Marriage to Janet Condra

Larry Bird’s first attempt at marriage was a famously brief and turbulent affair with his high school sweetheart, Janet Condra. The two were both from the small town of French Lick, Indiana, and their relationship began during their high school years. The couple married in 1975, but the union was short-lived, dissolving in divorce just a little over a year later in 1976. The marriage produced one child, a daughter named Corrie Bird, who was born in 1977 after the couple had separated. The aftermath of the divorce was difficult for the basketball star. Larry Bird famously referred to his first marriage as the "biggest mistake of his life" and said it "scarred him for life," comments that highlighted the emotional toll the separation took on him. His relationship with his biological daughter, Corrie Bird, was reportedly estranged for many years, a situation Larry acknowledged was due to his "differences with Janet." Corrie, however, has since built a stable life, marrying and having her own children, and has worked to forge a relationship with her famous father.

7 Surprising Facts About Larry Bird’s Current Wife, Dinah Mattingly

Dinah Mattingly, Larry Bird's wife since 1989, is the complete opposite of the celebrity spouse stereotype. She is intensely private, rarely gives interviews, and has managed to maintain a life of normalcy despite being married to a global sports icon.

1. They Are College Sweethearts Who Reconnected Decades Later

While some reports suggest they met while Dinah was a waitress in Boston, the most consistent and verified accounts indicate Larry Bird met Dinah Mattingly during his college years at Indiana State University. They reconnected years later and officially married in a private ceremony in 1989, marking the start of a partnership that has now spanned over 35 years.

2. Dinah Is Two Years Older Than Larry Bird

Contrary to the common narrative of older male celebrities marrying younger women, Dinah Mattingly was born on November 16, 1954, making her two years older than Larry Bird, who was born in December 1956. This detail underscores the mature, grounded nature of their relationship.

3. They Share Two Adopted Children

Larry and Dinah built their family through adoption, welcoming two children: a daughter, Mariah Bird, and a son, Connor Bird. This decision highlights their commitment to family, creating a blended family unit that includes Corrie Bird from Larry's first marriage.

4. She Was a High School Teacher

Before becoming the wife of a basketball legend, Dinah Mattingly had a career as a high school teacher. Her professional background and Indiana roots contribute to the couple's preference for a quiet, grounded lifestyle, far removed from the glitz of Hollywood.

5. Dinah Mattingly Keeps an Extremely Low Profile

Dinah is famous for her aversion to the spotlight. She has successfully maintained a low-profile life, seldom appearing in the media or granting interviews. This commitment to privacy is a cornerstone of the Bird family life, allowing them to live peacefully in their Indiana home.

6. The Couple Lives Quietly in Indiana

Despite Larry Bird's immense wealth and fame, the couple chooses to live in West Baden Springs, Indiana, the same region where Larry grew up. Their stunning yet private Indiana mansion is a sanctuary that allows the former Boston Celtics star and his wife to enjoy retirement away from the constant scrutiny of the public eye.

7. Her Relationship Status is Confirmed as Married (Despite Rumors)

As of late 2024, Dinah Mattingly and Larry Bird remain married. While a less authoritative source briefly mentioned a divorce filing in 2023, the most recent and reliable celebrity news outlets confirm that the couple is still together and married, having celebrated over 35 years of marriage. Dinah’s consistent presence and the couple’s shared commitment to their family life in Indiana solidify their status as one of the NBA world's most enduring, albeit private, couples.
larry bird wife
larry bird wife

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