When people talk about basketball greatness, the name Larry Bird always comes up. Known for his incredible shooting, fierce competitiveness, and leadership with the Boston Celtics, Bird is one of the most iconic players in NBA history. But beyond the court, many fans are curious about Larry Bird’s wife and family. Who is the woman behind the legend? How many children does he have? What is his life like outside basketball?
In this detailed, SEO-optimized guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Larry Bird’s wife, his children, his early relationships, and the private family life he has carefully protected over the years.
Who Is Larry Bird?
Larry Bird is a former professional basketball player, coach, and executive. He spent his entire NBA playing career (1979–1992) with the Boston Celtics and is widely regarded as one of the greatest small forwards of all time.
A three-time NBA champion and three-time MVP, Bird’s rivalry with Magic Johnson transformed the league in the 1980s. Despite his fame and larger-than-life basketball persona, Bird has always kept his personal life relatively private.
Larry Bird’s First Marriage
Before meeting his current wife, Larry Bird was briefly married to his high school sweetheart.
Janet Condra
Larry Bird married Janet Condra in 1975. The marriage, however, was short-lived and lasted less than a year. They divorced soon after tying the knot. Despite the brief relationship, they share one daughter together.
Daughter: Corrie Bird
Larry Bird and Janet Condra have one biological daughter:
- Corrie Bird
Corrie was born in 1977. Over the years, reports have suggested that Larry Bird and Corrie have had a complicated relationship. While Bird has generally maintained privacy about family matters, it is widely known that he was not deeply involved in Corrie’s early upbringing.
As with many public figures, family relationships can be complex, and Bird has chosen not to publicly discuss these matters in depth.
Who Is Larry Bird’s Wife Now?
Dinah Mattingly
Larry Bird is currently married to Dinah Mattingly, who has been his partner for decades.
Dinah Mattingly met Larry Bird while they were both students at Indiana State University. Bird attended the university after transferring from Indiana University, and it was during this time that their relationship began.
When Did Larry Bird Marry Dinah Mattingly?
Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly got married in 1989. Unlike his first marriage, this relationship has stood the test of time. Their marriage has now lasted more than three decades — a rare achievement in the world of professional sports.
Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly’s Family
Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly chose to build their family through adoption.
How Many Children Does Larry Bird Have?
Larry Bird has three children in total:
- Corrie Bird (biological daughter from first marriage)
- Conner Bird (adopted)
- Mariah Bird (adopted)
Let’s take a closer look at his children with Dinah Mattingly.
Conner Bird
Conner Bird is Larry Bird’s adopted son. While he has occasionally made headlines, Conner has largely stayed out of the spotlight.
There have been some legal controversies involving Conner in the past, which briefly brought attention to the Bird family. However, Larry Bird has continued to keep his family life private and away from media scrutiny.
Mariah Bird
Mariah Bird is Larry Bird’s adopted daughter and is perhaps the most publicly visible of his children.
Mariah has reportedly worked in event management and sports-related roles, including work connected to the Indiana Pacers organization. Unlike her father, she has not pursued a professional basketball career but has remained connected to the sports world in other ways.
Larry Bird’s Family Life Away from the Spotlight
One of the most interesting aspects of Larry Bird’s wife and family life is how private it is. Unlike many sports legends who frequently share personal updates on social media, Bird is famously reserved.
Why Is Larry Bird So Private?
Several reasons contribute to Bird’s low-profile family life:
- He grew up in a small town in Indiana.
- He values privacy and traditional family life.
- He avoids unnecessary media exposure.
- He has always focused more on basketball and business than celebrity culture.
Even during the peak of his NBA career, Bird was known for avoiding the Hollywood-style fame that surrounded many athletes.
Where Does Larry Bird Live?
After retiring from professional basketball, Larry Bird returned to his roots in Indiana.
He has spent much of his post-playing career working with the Indiana Pacers as a coach and executive. His connection to Indiana remains strong, reflecting his deep ties to family and hometown values.
Bird and Dinah Mattingly have reportedly lived a quiet life in Indiana, away from the flash and glamour of major media cities like Los Angeles or New York.
Larry Bird as a Husband
Many fans wonder what Larry Bird is like as a husband. Although he doesn’t frequently speak publicly about his marriage, those close to him describe him as:
- Loyal
- Family-oriented
- Protective of his loved ones
- Deeply committed
His marriage to Dinah Mattingly lasting more than 30 years suggests stability and partnership — especially in the high-pressure world of professional sports.
Larry Bird as a Father
Larry Bird’s role as a father has evolved over time.
While his relationship with his biological daughter Corrie has reportedly faced challenges, he has raised his adopted children, Conner and Mariah, with Dinah in a more stable environment.
Bird’s decision to adopt reflects his commitment to building a family beyond biological ties. Adoption is a significant and life-changing choice, demonstrating that family is about love and responsibility, not just genetics.
The Importance of Family in Larry Bird’s Life
Despite his intense competitiveness on the court, Larry Bird has often emphasized loyalty and personal values.
Growing up in French Lick, Indiana, Bird experienced financial struggles in his early life. Those formative years shaped his grounded personality and appreciation for family.
His long-lasting marriage to Dinah Mattingly and his commitment to raising their children show a different side of the basketball legend — one focused on stability and personal relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Bird Wife and Family
Who is Larry Bird married to?
Larry Bird is married to Dinah Mattingly. They tied the knot in 1989 and have been together ever since.
How many children does Larry Bird have?
Larry Bird has three children:
- Corrie Bird (biological daughter)
- Conner Bird (adopted son)
- Mariah Bird (adopted daughter)
Was Larry Bird married before Dinah Mattingly?
Yes, Larry Bird was previously married to Janet Condra in the mid-1970s. The marriage was brief.
Is Larry Bird still married?
Yes, Larry Bird is still married to Dinah Mattingly, and their marriage has lasted over three decades.
Larry Bird’s Legacy Beyond Basketball
When people think of Larry Bird, they often picture:
- Three NBA championships
- MVP awards
- Fierce rivalry with Magic Johnson
- Clutch performances for the Boston Celtics
But his personal life tells a quieter story — one of long-term commitment, privacy, and family loyalty.
Unlike many modern athletes, Bird never sought celebrity attention for his relationships. Instead, he built a life centered around stability and Midwestern values.
Final Thoughts on Larry Bird Wife and Family
The story of Larry Bird’s wife and family reveals a different side of the NBA legend. While his basketball achievements are legendary, his personal life shows consistency and long-term commitment.
From his early marriage to Janet Condra to his decades-long union with Dinah Mattingly, Larry Bird’s journey reflects growth and maturity. His three children — Corrie, Conner, and Mariah — each represent chapters in his family story.