When it comes to legendary basketball players, few names resonate like Larry Bird. But beyond the courts, the MVP trophies, and his iconic Celtics jersey, there was once a young woman who shared a different chapter of his life — Janet Condra. Often overshadowed by Larry’s larger-than-life career, Janet remains a mystery to many sports fans.
So who is Janet Condra? What role did she play in Bird’s life? And where is she now? This article takes a deep dive into the life of Janet Condra — a name you might not hear often, but one that holds a unique place in the story of an NBA icon.
🏀 Early Life: Who Is Janet Condra?
Janet Condra is best known as the first wife of Larry Bird, one of basketball’s all-time greats. . The two were high school sweethearts, and their story began long before the world knew Larry as “The Hick from French Lick.”
JJanet was a small-town girl with a straightforward living and a large heart. She and Larry dated through their teenage years and into young adulthood. Their relationship blossomed during a time when Bird was still finding his way, long before the NBA lights ever found him.
💍 Marriage to Larry Bird: A Brief But Impactful Chapter
In 1975, Janet Condra and Larry Chicken connected the knotIn 1975, Janet Condra and Larry Chicken attached the knot. Both were in their early 20s and, like many young couples, full of hope and dreams. At the time, Bird had dropped out of Indiana University and returned home, unsure of his next move.
Their marriage was short-lived — they separated within a year and eventually divorced. Despite the brevity of their union, their relationship had a long-term impact, especially due to the child they had together.
👧 Their Daughter: Corrie Bird
During their brief marriage, Janet Condra gave birth to Corrie Bird, Larry’s first and only biological child. Corrie was born in 1977, right before Bird’s university career shot to popularity at Indiana State School.
Corrie’s relationship with her dad has obviously been complicated. While Larry Bird did acknowledge her as his daughter, he was largely absent during her upbringing. Janet raised Corrie as a single mother, and for years, Corrie attempted to form a stronger relationship with her father.
Despite efforts from Corrie to connect — including writing letters and attending games — reports suggest that their bond remained distant. Janet, on the other hand, remained committed to providing Corrie with a stable and nurturing home.
👩👧 Life as a Single Mother
Following the divorce, Janet Condra stayed out of the limelight. She focused on raising Corrie, ensuring she received a good education and moral values. Janet’s strength as a mother is often overlooked in the greater narrative of Bird’s career, but those close to her say she was resilient, humble, and completely devoted to her daughter.
Corrie eventually graduated with a degree in business and has led a professional life in the healthcare industry. Much of that success can be attributed to the foundation laid by her mother.
📵 Janet Condra: A Life Away From the Public Eye
Unlike many ex-spouses of celebrities, Janet Condra never chased fame or fortune. She never wrote a tell-all book, appeared on talk shows, or sought interviews. In fact, it’s hard to even find recent photographs of her online. Her decision to maintain privacy is both admirable and rare in the age of digital overexposure.
Janet has lived her life with dignity and grace, allowing Larry Bird to dominate the headlines while she focused on her own quiet victories — raising a daughter, building a private life, and staying true to herself.
🧠 Emotional Fallout: How Their Separation Shaped Both Lives
The divorce likely affected both parties in profound ways. For Janet, raising a child alone was not easy. For Larry, the timing of the split coincided with his rise to stardom. As Chicken turned a household name and a Celtics legend, Janet kept her legs on the ground, spending so much time to provide an expression of normalcy for Corrie.
Some speculate that Bird’s early personal life, including his failed marriage, shaped his introverted and stoic personality. Larry rarely opened up about Janet publicly, choosing to keep personal matters separate from his professional career.
🙋♀️ Where Is Janet Condra Now?
There’s not much publicly known about Janet Condra’s current whereabouts — and that’s by design. She reportedly continued living in Indiana, away from the glare of the spotlight. It’s believed that she remarried at some point, but even that remains unconfirmed.
Her daughter Corrie is married and has children of her own, making Janet a grandmother — a role she reportedly cherishes deeply.
🔦 The Unsung Role in Larry Bird’s Story
While Larry Bird is remembered for his fierce rivalries with Magic Johnson and his unforgettable moments on the court, Janet Condra was there before all of that — before the championships, the MVP awards, and the NBA fame.
She was the woman by his side during the uncertain years, the one who shared dreams before they turned into headlines. And even after their separation, she played an essential role by raising their daughter and doing so with strength and compassion.
In many ways, Janet Condra’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every public figure, there are often people with stories of quiet sacrifice, resilience, and grace.
📚 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Janet Condra
Q1: Who is Janet Condra?
A: Janet Condra is best known as the first wife of basketball legend Larry Bird. They were married briefly in the mid-1970s and had a daughter named Corrie.
Q2: When did Janet Condra and Larry Bird get married?
A: They got married in 1975 and separated within a year.
Q3: Do Janet Condra and Larry Bird have children together?
A: Yes, they have one daughter named Corrie Bird, born in 1977.
Q4: What is Janet Condra doing now?
A: Janet has kept a low profile since her separation from Bird. She is believed to still live in Indiana and is now a grandmother through her daughter Corrie.
Q5: Did Janet Condra remarry?
A: There is no confirmed public information about Janet remarrying, though some reports suggest she may have.
Q6: What is Corrie Bird doing today?
A: Corrie Bird works in the healthcare industry and leads a private family life. She is married and has children.
Q7: Why is Janet Condra rarely mentioned in the media?
A: Janet has always chosen to live a private life and avoided media attention, interviews, or public appearances.
