Janet Condra is widely known as the first wife of Larry Bird, the former NBA star. Although they shared a long, happy relationship before getting married, their union did not last.
Janet faced many challenges in her personal life, from raising her daughter to moving on after her divorce. This article takes you through the ups and downs of Janet Condra’s life and what we know about her today.
Table of Contents
Janet Condra’s Early Life
Janet Condra was born in Indiana in the mid-1960s, though her exact birth date is not publicly known. There is little information available about her parents or her early family life. Janet attended Springs Valley High School, but it is unclear if she pursued further education after graduating.
The Relationship Between Janet Condra and Larry Bird
Janet Condra and Larry Bird first met as students at Springs Valley High School. Their friendship soon developed into a romantic relationship, and they began dating. The couple decided to marry in November 1975 and held a small, private ceremony.
However, their marriage faced difficulties almost immediately, and they divorced less than a year later, in October 1976.
Despite their brief marriage, Janet and Larry welcomed a daughter, Corrie, in 1977.
Challenges Raising Corrie Bird
After their divorce, the relationship between Janet and Larry deteriorated further. They struggled to communicate effectively, making it difficult to co-parent their daughter, Corrie.
This lack of communication created a challenging environment for Corrie, who longed for a connection with her father. Despite her efforts to reach out to Larry, including joining her high school basketball team to gain his attention, he remained distant.
Janet publicly spoke about this strained relationship, including during an interview with Oprah Winfrey. She expressed her frustration and sadness over not being able to protect Corrie from the pain of her father’s rejection.
Years later, Larry Bird expressed regret over his treatment of Corrie and made efforts to rebuild their relationship, promising to support her both emotionally and financially.
Corrie Bird’s Adult Life
Despite her difficult childhood, Corrie Bird found happiness in her adult life. In May 2008, she married Trent Barson in a ceremony held at the White Chapel in Indiana.
Corrie and Trent had met a few years earlier, and their relationship blossomed over time. They now enjoy a happy life together.
Janet Condra’s Second Marriage
Reports suggest that Janet Condra remarried after her divorce from Larry Bird. Her second husband is said to be Mike Deakins, and they have a daughter named Mandy.
Mandy has pursued a career in music and has performed at notable venues like Lincoln Center. She also sang at her half-sister Corrie’s wedding in 2008.
Larry Bird’s Life After Divorce
Larry Bird remarried in 1989, thirteen years after his divorce from Janet. He wed Dinah Mattingly, and together, they adopted two children, Connor and Mariah Bird. Larry has continued to be a prominent figure in the basketball world, both as a player and a coach.
Janet Condra’s Career and Net Worth
There is limited information available about Janet Condra’s career. It is known that she worked multiple jobs to support her family during challenging times.
Although her exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, it is believed to be in the millions, partly due to her association with Larry Bird, who has an estimated net worth of $80 million as of 2023.
Janet Condra’s Privacy
Janet Condra prefers to keep a low profile and does not have any public social media accounts. She seems to value her privacy and chooses to stay away from the public eye.
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Conclusion
Janet Condra’s life has been marked by both challenges and resilience. As the first wife of Larry Bird, she experienced the highs and lows of a relationship with a public figure.
Despite the difficulties she faced, particularly in raising her daughter amid a strained parental relationship, Janet remained a supportive and dedicated mother.
Her story is one of strength and perseverance, navigating the complexities of life in the shadow of fame while maintaining her own path.
