Where Is Janet Condra Now? The Story of Larry Bird’s Ex-Wife

Before Larry Bird became one of the biggest names in basketball, he was just a tall kid from French Lick, Indiana. He had big dreams and a quiet charm that made people remember him. But before all the championships, MVPs, and fame, there was someone special by his side — Janet Condra.

Janet was Larry Bird’s first wife, someone who knew him long before the world did. Their story began in high school and seemed full of promise. But things didn’t go as planned. Their short marriage ended in heartbreak, and Janet quietly stepped away from the spotlight.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at where Janet Condra is now, how her life changed after her marriage to Larry Bird, and the strength she showed as a single mother. From high school romance to quiet retirement, her story is simple, real, and inspiring.

Janet Condra Quick Bio

Janet Condra’s Early Life in Indiana

Janet Condra was born and raised in French Lick, Indiana — the same small town where Larry Bird grew up. Life in French Lick was quiet and simple. It was the kind of place where everyone knew each other and people helped their neighbors.

Janet had a kind, calm nature. She wasn’t looking for fame or attention. She was just a regular small-town girl who enjoyed life with her family and friends. Like many young girls, she went to school, helped at home, and looked forward to the future.

She attended Springs Valley High School, where she met someone who would change her life — Larry Bird. At the time, no one knew Larry would become a legend. He was just a tall, shy boy who loved basketball. Janet saw something special in him, even back then.

How Janet Condra Met Larry Bird

Janet and Larry’s story started in high school. They were teenagers when they first met at Springs Valley High. As time went on, they became close friends. Then, that friendship turned into love.

They were a typical small-town couple — going to school events together, cheering each other on, and dreaming about their future. Larry was already showing promise in basketball, and Janet was always by his side, supporting him in quiet ways.

Even after high school, they stayed close. Larry went to play college basketball, and Janet stayed hopeful about their future. Many people believed they would make it through anything. And for a short while, it seemed they would.

Janet Condra and Larry Bird’s Marriage

On November 8, 1975, Janet and Larry got married. They were young — both only 19 years old — and full of hope. At the time, Larry was still working his way up in basketball, and Janet believed in him completely.

Their wedding was small and simple, just like their hometown roots. Friends and family gathered to wish them well, thinking they’d grow old together. But things began to change quickly.

Larry’s basketball career was moving fast. With more games, more pressure, and more attention, it became hard for the young couple to stay connected. They started facing problems early in the marriage. It wasn’t the happy life they imagined.

A Short Marriage That Didn’t Last

Sadly, their marriage didn’t last long. Less than a year after their wedding, Janet and Larry separated. They tried to fix things, but it just wasn’t working. On October 31, 1976, they got officially divorced.

Larry later spoke about the marriage, calling it “the worst mistake I ever made.” That comment made headlines and hurt Janet deeply. But she never spoke badly about him. She chose silence over drama.

It’s hard to imagine how painful that time must have been. A young woman in love, now left alone while her ex-husband was rising to fame. But Janet didn’t fall apart. She stayed strong and focused on what mattered most — her future and her family.

Corrie Bird, Janet and Larry’s Daughter

Just a few months after the divorce, Janet learned she was pregnant. On August 14, 1977, she gave birth to their daughter, Corrie Bird. It was a bittersweet moment. A new life had begun, even though the relationship had ended.

At first, Larry denied being the father. But a DNA test later confirmed he was. Still, Larry stayed distant. He was focused on his NBA career and rarely saw Corrie in her early years.

Janet, on the other hand, gave everything to raise Corrie right. She worked hard, made sacrifices, and never stopped loving her child. Corrie later shared that her mom was her biggest role model — the one who was always there.

Even though Corrie tried to connect with her father through letters and school pictures, he didn’t respond. It wasn’t until much later that they had a chance to rebuild their bond. But through it all, Janet was the constant — the loving mother who never gave up.

Janet Condra’s Life After Divorce

After her marriage to Larry Bird ended, Janet Condra didn’t disappear — she quietly started over. She had a new focus: being a mother to Corrie. There were no big interviews or news stories. She simply got to work, doing what had to be done.

Janet took on two jobs to support her daughter. One of them was as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was honest, steady work. She walked her delivery route daily, known for her warm smile and kindness.

Many people in her position might have chased fame or money. But Janet didn’t. She chose a life of peace and privacy. She didn’t want to be “Larry Bird’s ex-wife” in the spotlight — she wanted to be a good mom and live a quiet life.

Did Janet Condra Ever Remarry?

Yes, she did. After years of being a single mom, Janet eventually found love again. She later married a man named Mike Deakins. But this time, she made sure it stayed very private.

There are no photos of the wedding. No interviews. No stories in magazines. And that’s how Janet wanted it. She had learned from the past. She didn’t want attention — she just wanted a calm life.

Together, Janet and Mike had a daughter named Mandy. Mandy grew up loving music and eventually became a professional singer. She’s performed at places like Lincoln Center and even sang beautifully at Corrie’s wedding in 2008.

Where Is Janet Condra Now?

So, where is Janet Condra now? As of 2025, she is believed to be living in Indiana, not far from where she was born and raised. She lives a very quiet life, away from cameras, crowds, and media.

You won’t find her on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. She doesn’t post updates or give interviews. She’s fully stepped away from the spotlight — and she seems to be happy that way.

Janet’s story is not about fame or headlines. It’s about strength, family, and choosing peace over attention. And that choice says a lot about the kind of person she is.

How Janet Handled Fame and the Spotlight

Imagine being married to one of the most famous basketball players in the world. Most people would expect you to use that fame, maybe write a book or go on talk shows. But Janet Condra never did that.

She could have told her side of the story. She could have made money by sharing private details. But she didn’t. Not once. Instead, she stayed silent, respectful, and strong.

She let Larry Bird have the spotlight, while she focused on raising her daughter and living a simple life. Her quiet strength made her stand out — not in the news, but in the way she lived with dignity.

Janet Condra’s Net Worth in 2025

Even though Janet was once married to a man worth over $75 million, she never lived a rich or flashy life. She didn’t rely on Larry Bird’s fame or fortune.

Her net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $500,000. Most of it likely came from her many years of honest work as a mail carrier, along with savings and a modest lifestyle.

She didn’t live in mansions or drive expensive cars. She focused on what really matters — providing for her family, keeping her privacy, and living peacefully.

Final Thoughts

Janet Condra’s story is not like the stories we often hear about famous people. It’s not filled with drama or fame. Instead, it’s about quiet strength, honest work, and love for her children.

She was once the young girl in love with Larry Bird. Then, she became a single mother, a hardworking woman, and later a quiet grandmother. She faced hard times but never gave up.

In the end, where is Janet Condra now? She’s right where she wants to be — living a peaceful life, far from the spotlight, surrounded by family, and remembered by many for her strength and grace.