5 Surprising Facts About Larry Bird's Wife, Dinah Mattingly: The Untold Story Of His Private Life

As of December 2025, the legendary basketball icon Larry Bird continues to live a remarkably private life in his native Indiana, a quiet existence far removed from the bright lights of the NBA. The woman at the center of this world, and the pillar of his life for over three decades, is his second wife, Dinah Mattingly. She is the quiet force behind "The Hick from French Lick," a partner who has steadfastly shielded their family from the intense media scrutiny that followed his Hall of Fame career.

Their enduring marriage, which began in 1989, is a testament to stability in the often-turbulent world of professional sports. Dinah Mattingly has consistently chosen to remain out of the public eye, making her a figure of curiosity for fans seeking to understand the personal side of the three-time NBA champion. This article delves into the biographical details, the timeline of their relationship, and the family life they've built together.

Larry Bird's Complete Family and Relationship History

To fully appreciate the stability of Larry Bird’s current family life, it is essential to understand his complete relationship history, which includes a brief, tumultuous first marriage and the three children who carry his legacy.

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Dinah Mattingly (Current Wife) Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Dinah Mattingly
• Known For: Wife of NBA Hall of Famer Larry Bird
• Date of Birth: Believed to be December 7, 1956 (Making her two years older than Larry Bird)
• Place of Birth: Indiana, USA
• Education: Attended Indiana State University
• Career: Former Physical Education Teacher
• Relationship Status: Married since October 1989
• Children (Adopted with Larry Bird): Connor Bird and Mariah Bird
• Current Residence: West Baden Springs, Indiana

Janet Condra (First Wife) Profile

• Full Name: Janet Condra
• Known For: Larry Bird’s high school sweetheart and first wife
• Marriage Date: November 8, 1975
• Divorce Date: Less than a year after marriage (Annulled/Divorced in 1976)
• Child (Biological): Corrie Bird (born in 1977)

Larry Bird's Children

• Corrie Bird: Biological daughter from his first marriage to Janet Condra. She is a mother and lives a private life.
• Connor Bird: Adopted son with Dinah Mattingly.
• Mariah Bird: Adopted daughter with Dinah Mattingly. She is involved in the Indiana Pacers organization.

The Quiet Stability: Dinah Mattingly and Larry Bird's Enduring Marriage

Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly's love story is rooted in their shared Indiana heritage and a deep, foundational friendship. They first crossed paths at Indiana State University (ISU) in the late 1970s, the same time Bird was leading the Sycamores to the legendary 1979 NCAA Championship game against Magic Johnson and Michigan State.

Their initial connection was purely platonic, a friendship that developed during a pivotal and often stressful period in Bird's life. This foundation proved to be the bedrock of their future relationship. After Bird’s brief and challenging first marriage to Janet Condra, he reconnected with Dinah. Their friendship blossomed into a romance, culminating in their marriage in October 1989.

The timing of their wedding was significant, occurring during the peak of Bird's career with the Boston Celtics. Unlike many spouses of superstar athletes, Dinah never sought a public platform. She was a constant, supportive presence—often seen quietly attending games—but she maintained her distance from the media circus. This deliberate choice to keep a low profile has been the defining characteristic of her identity and a key factor in the longevity of their marriage.

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Dinah's background as a former physical education teacher from Indiana State University speaks to her grounded nature. She understands the importance of discipline and structure, qualities that likely complemented the intense focus required of an NBA legend. While Larry Bird was cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history, Dinah provided the necessary normalcy and stability at home.

The Bird Family: Adopted Children and the Legacy of Corrie Bird

Larry and Dinah built their family through adoption, welcoming their son Connor and daughter Mariah Bird. Raising adopted children together further cemented their bond and commitment to a shared life. Mariah Bird, in particular, has maintained a connection to the world of basketball, working within the Indiana Pacers organization, where her father served as a coach and executive.

However, the Bird family narrative is complex due to the relationship with Larry's firstborn, Corrie Bird. Corrie is the biological daughter from his short-lived marriage to Janet Condra. Larry Bird has publicly acknowledged that his relationship with Corrie has been strained and distant, a personal struggle he has occasionally touched upon in interviews.

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While the distance from Corrie is a difficult chapter, the stability provided by Dinah Mattingly allowed Larry to focus on his career transitions—from a dominant player on the Boston Celtics to a successful coach and executive with the Indiana Pacers. The family's quiet life in West Baden Springs, Indiana, is a deliberate choice, emphasizing their dedication to privacy over celebrity status.

Larry Bird's Life Post-NBA: A Return to Indiana Roots

After retiring from playing in 1992 and stepping away from his executive role with the Pacers, Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly fully embraced their Indiana roots. They reside in West Baden Springs, a town close to Bird's original hometown of French Lick. This return to the heartland symbolizes a commitment to a life of simplicity, far from the coastal cities where he achieved his fame.

Dinah Mattingly's steadfast support has allowed the NBA Hall of Famer to manage his post-career health issues and the pressures that come with a lifetime of high-level competition. Her role is not just that of a wife, but a gatekeeper of their privacy and a grounding force. She is the reason Larry Bird is able to enjoy a peaceful retirement while maintaining his legacy as one of the most revered figures in basketball history.

The story of Dinah Mattingly is ultimately the story of a successful marriage to a global icon who values his privacy above all else. She is the quiet, essential partner who enabled "Larry Legend" to transition from the intensity of the Dream Team era to the tranquil life of a respected elder statesman of the NBA. Their life together, spanning over three decades, proves that the greatest victories are often the ones achieved off the court.