On April 18, 1998, Larry Bird watched as his daughter Corrie walked toward him. This moment was special, as it was a rare public show of their bond. It showed the mix of Larry Bird’s basketball success and his personal life.
Larry Bird’s journey to fame started long before his 1989 wedding to Dinah Mattingly. His first marriage to Janet Condra ended in divorce after just 13 months. But Corrie Bird, from that marriage, played a big role in his life, even though there was a public dispute over her paternity.
The Bird family’s story is more than just personal achievements. They gave $800,000 to help Indiana’s poor kids, showing Larry’s commitment to his community. Dinah Mattingly, his second wife, worked with him to help others, showing a side of Larry that went beyond basketball.
Key Takeaways
- Larry Bird’s 1989 marriage to Dinah Mattingly followed a contentious divorce from first wife Janet Condra.
- Corrie Bird’s birth in 1977 sparked a high-profile paternity dispute resolved through DNA testing in 1981.
- The Bird family donated over $800,000 to Indiana children’s initiatives through their charitable foundation.
- Larry Bird and Corrie’s first public embrace occurred during the 1997-98 NBA season while he coached the Indiana Pacers.
- Corrie Bird pursued higher education at Indiana State University and later earned an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Who Is Larry Bird: The Basketball Legend Behind the Family Man
Larry Bird’s journey from an Indiana farmboy to NBA icon was filled with key moments. He played for the Boston Celtics for 13 seasons, scoring 21,791 points. He won three MVP awards and three championships, making him a global star.
Larry Bird’s Rise to NBA Stardom
At 19, Bird married Janet Condra in 1975, and they had a daughter named Corrie. His NBA career started in 1978 and quickly took off. He achieved many milestones, including:
- 1979: NBA debut with the Celtics
- 1980: First All-Star honors
- 1984: First MVP award
The Boston Celtics Era and Fame
Bird’s rivalry with Magic Johnson was a highlight of the 1980s. Their famous NCAA game in 1979 started their rivalry. By 1984, their games were watched by millions. Their 1992 Olympic team, the “Dream Team,” showed Bird’s growth as a public figure.
Larry Bird’s Transition from Player to Family-Focused Retiree
After retiring in 1992, Bird focused on his family. He married Dinah Mattingly and adopted two daughters, Mariah and Connor. Their home in Naples, Florida, became a family haven.
Philanthropy was also a big part of their lives. They raised $800,000 each year through their Masquerade event. Bird’s 2014 memoir, Drive: The Story of My Life, shared his journey balancing sports and family.
Larry Bird’s First Marriage to Janet Condra
In 1975, Larry Bird, just 19, started a new chapter with his first larry bird marriage to Janet Condra. They got married on November 8, 1975, but it ended quickly. The marriage lasted only 12 months, ending on October 31, 1976. Bird later said, “Getting married was the worst mistake I ever made.”
The larry bird relationship with Janet was short but had a lasting impact. They had a child, Corrie Bird, in 1977. The couple tried to make it work again, but it didn’t last. Corrie’s birth showed the complicated nature of their split.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Marriage to Janet Condra | November 8, 1975 |
| Divorce finalized | October 31, 1976 |
| Corrie Bird’s birth | 1977 |
Bird openly talked about this period, showing its deep emotional effect. Court records and public statements confirm the timeline. This early chapter contrasts with his later stable relationship with Dinah Mattingly, showing how his first marriage influenced his choices.
Larry Bird Wife and Family Today: His Marriage to Dinah Mattingly
Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly started their journey together at Indiana State University. Their 35-year marriage is a testament to their strong bond.
How Larry and Dinah Met
Their story began in the late 1970s at Indiana State University. They were classmates, and Bird’s basketball talent grew alongside their friendship. ESPN showed how they became a lifelong team, supporting each other through ups and downs.
Their Wedding and Marriage Journey
In 1989, they tied the knot in a small ceremony at a Terre Haute home. Only five people were there, and they wore jeans instead of formal clothes. This simple choice shows their preference for keeping things low-key, even in the spotlight.
Dinah Mattingly’s Role in Larry Bird’s Life and Career
Dinah, a former physical education teacher, supported Bird through his NBA career. She also helped him in his roles as coach and executive at the Indiana Pacers. They adopted Mariah in 1991 and Connor in 1992, growing their family. Their charity work, like raising $800,000 for kids, shows their shared values. Dinah’s steady support helped Bird manage his career while keeping their family close.
The Children in Larry Bird’s Life
Larry Bird has one biological daughter and two adopted children. His eldest, Corrie Bird, was born in 1977 to his first wife, Janet Condra. Later, they adopted Mariah in 1991 and Connor in 1992 with Dinah Mattingly.
This makes a blended family that Larry Bird built after his NBA career.
| Name | Parentage | Birth Year | Career/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrie Bird | Biological child of Larry and Janet Condra | 1977 | Healthcare manager; Indiana State University graduate (1999), master’s in hospital management. Married to Trent Batson, a security specialist at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. |
| Marie Bird | Adopted with Dinah Mattingly in 1991 | 1991 | Events management executive at the Indiana Pacers organization. |
| Connor Bird | Adopted with Dinah Mattingly in 1992 | 1992 | Details about Connor Bird’s professional life remain private per family privacy preferences. |
Corrie Bird works in healthcare administration. She has two kids, Violet Marie (2012) and Sebastian Gray (2017). Larry Bird’s kids have chosen careers that reflect their family’s values.
Dinah Mattingly is a stepmother who helps raise Corrie’s kids. This shows the family’s teamwork in raising their children.
- Corrie Bird’s estimated annual income: $60,000–$100,000
- Larry Bird net worth: $75 million (2024 estimates)
- Family residence: 6,007 sq ft Florida home valued at $4.8 million
Larry Bird’s family choices show a mix of public success and private life. His kids’ careers show loyalty to their family and community. These choices respect the family’s privacy while sharing their achievements publicly.
Inside the Bird Family Dynamic
Larry Bird’s family keeps a low profile in Naples, Florida. Their home, with an infinity pool and boat dock, shows their love for privacy and luxury. The house was listed for sale in 2013 and 2016, showing their commitment to keeping things private.
Parenting Philosophy
Larry Bird values independence for his children. Mariah, 33, works in event management after graduating from Boston University. Her sister Corrie is in healthcare administration. The family keeps their step-siblings out of the spotlight.
In a 1995 interview with ESPN, Larry said “family first.” This is evident in their career choices.
Handling Fame
Larry Bird’s daughters rarely appear in public. Mariah has a net worth of $1 million, thanks to her own career. The family avoids the media, not giving interviews since Larry retired in 2003.
A 2022 People magazine report found no social media for Bird’s adult children. This shows their commitment to privacy.
Private Lifestyle
- 6,007 sq ft Naples residence with 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms
- State-of-the-art home theater and boat dock amenities
- Daughters pursue careers unrelated to basketball: Mariah in events, Corrie in healthcare
Dinah Mattingly Bird handles public relations since 1989. The family values privacy, with no trust funds for the daughters. This shows Larry’s belief in self-reliance for his family.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Larry Bird Through His Family
Larry Bird’s legacy goes beyond his Hall of Fame career. It’s deeply connected to his wife, Dinah Mattingly, and their family. Dinah has been a big help in projects like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s “Link Up With a Legend” program.
In a 2014 interview with Indianapolis Monthly, Bird shared his true feelings. He said, “I don’t need the publicity… But I do care.” This led to a $800,000 fundraising effort for Indiana youth programs. It shows how Bird and his wife combined their personal values with public service.
Dinah also works hard on health advocacy, inspired by their family’s cancer battles. Their daughter, Mariah Bird, follows in her father’s footsteps. She works in sports management and supports education for all.
Mariah’s work shows the lessons she learned from her dad. She focuses on teamwork and never giving up.
Larry Bird’s family has made his influence even stronger. They’ve worked together to keep his legacy alive. From his time with the Celtics to his coaching, they’ve made sure his impact is felt.
The Bird family’s commitment to giving back is clear. Mariah’s growing involvement in helping others will keep Larry’s legacy alive. Their work shows how important family values are in making a difference.
FAQ
Who is Larry Bird’s wife?
Larry Bird’s wife is Dinah Mattingly. They got married on October 31, 1989.
How many children does Larry Bird have?
Larry Bird has three kids. He has a daughter named Corrie Bird from his first marriage. He also has two adopted kids, Mariah and Connor Bird, with Dinah Mattingly.
What was Larry Bird’s first marriage like?
Larry Bird’s first marriage was to Janet Condra in 1975. He later called it “the worst mistake I ever made.” The marriage was short and ended in divorce, but they had a daughter named Corrie.
How did Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly first meet?
Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly met at Indiana State University in the late 1970s. They started as friends and later became a couple.
What is Dinah Mattingly’s role in Larry Bird’s life and career?
Dinah Mattingly has been a big support to Larry Bird. She’s been there for him, especially in his career as a coach and executive.
What are Larry Bird’s children doing today?
Mariah Bird works with the Indiana Pacers. Details about Connor Bird’s job and Corrie Bird’s life are private.
How does the Bird family manage their public life?
The Bird family values their privacy. They keep a low profile, even though Larry Bird is famous. They want to keep their personal lives private.
What philanthropic efforts are associated with Larry Bird’s family?
Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly give back to the community. They support youth programs and cancer research, especially through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
How has Larry Bird’s family influenced his legacy?
Larry Bird’s family has added depth to his legacy. They show that family is just as important as his basketball achievements.
I am Marina, a professional in tourism by trade. Additionally, I serve as the editor at wikibiography.in. Apart from my career in tourism, I am passionate about music, hiking, and cinema.