5 Surprising Facts About Larry Bird's Wife, Dinah Mattingly: The Woman Behind The Legend
Few figures in basketball history command as much respect and mystique as Larry Bird. Known as "The Hick from French Lick" for his humble Indiana roots, Bird's life off the court has been as private as his career was public. As of December 19, 2025, the woman who has stood by the NBA legend for over three decades is Dinah Mattingly, a former high school teacher who has skillfully navigated the intense spotlight of celebrity life by keeping a remarkably low profile.
The curiosity surrounding Larry Bird’s private life, particularly his marriage, stems from its contrast with his highly decorated career with the Boston Celtics. Dinah Mattingly is his second wife, and their enduring partnership is a cornerstone of his post-playing life, raising a family and supporting his transition from an iconic player to a successful executive with the Indiana Pacers. Here is a deep dive into the life of Dinah Mattingly and the full story of Larry Bird's family.
Larry Bird: A Quick Biography and Career Profile
Larry Joe Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, celebrated for his exceptional shooting, passing, and clutch performances. His professional journey is a testament to perseverance and skill.
- Full Name: Larry Joe Bird
- Born: December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, USA
- Wife: Dinah Mattingly (m. 1989)
- Ex-Wife: Janet Condra (m. 1975, div. 1976)
- Children: Corrie Bird (biological daughter), Mariah Bird (adopted daughter), Connor Bird (adopted son)
- College: Indiana State University (ISU)
- NBA Career: 13 seasons (1979–1992), all with the Boston Celtics
- Key Nicknames: The Hick from French Lick, Larry Legend
- Career Highlights and Awards:
- 3× NBA Champion (1981, 1984, 1986)
- 3× NBA MVP (1984, 1985, 1986)
- 12× NBA All-Star
- 2× NBA Finals MVP
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)
- NBA Coach of the Year (1998, with the Indiana Pacers)
- NBA Executive of the Year (2012, with the Indiana Pacers)
- Olympic Gold Medalist (1992, Dream Team)
- Post-Playing Career: Head Coach, President of Basketball Operations, and Advisor for the Indiana Pacers.
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): $75 Million
5 Surprising Facts About Dinah Mattingly, Larry Bird’s Enduring Wife
Dinah Mattingly is a private individual who has successfully maintained a life away from the celebrity circus. However, her role in Larry Bird's life is anything but minor. She is the steady force that anchored him through his transition from the intense world of the NBA to his executive roles.
1. Their Wedding Was Incredibly Private and Low-Key
In stark contrast to the massive public profile of an NBA icon, Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly married in a remarkably intimate ceremony. They tied the knot on October 31, 1989, in a private affair attended by just five other people at a friend's house in Terre Haute, Indiana. This choice perfectly reflects Dinah's personality—she is known for keeping a low profile and prioritizing her family life over the glare of the media.
The couple first met while attending Indiana State University (ISU), the same school where Bird led the Sycamores to the NCAA Championship game against Magic Johnson's Michigan State Spartans in 1979.
2. She is a Former High School Teacher and Philanthropist
Before becoming the wife of a global sports legend, Dinah Mattingly had a career as a high school teacher. This background speaks to her grounded nature and commitment to education. Even after her marriage to Bird, she has been involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting various causes and maintaining her connection to her community in Indiana. She is not just a celebrity spouse; she is described as a strong force in his personal and professional life.
3. Dinah and Larry Adopted Both of Their Children Together
Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly are the parents of two adopted children: a daughter, Mariah Bird (born in 1991), and a son, Connor Bird (born in 1992). The decision to adopt underscores their commitment to building a family together. Mariah Bird has followed her father into the sports world, working as a manager for her father's related sports business. Connor Bird has also made headlines, though for less positive reasons, with a few run-ins with the law, showcasing the challenges even the most private families face.
4. Larry Bird Had a Very Short and Troubled First Marriage
To fully understand Dinah’s significance, one must acknowledge Larry Bird's brief first marriage to his high school sweetheart, Janet Condra. They married in 1975 before he joined Indiana State University, but the marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce less than a year later in 1976.
The relationship was tumultuous, and Bird later publicly stated that the marriage "scarred him for life" and was the "biggest mistake of his life." This painful experience highlights the stability and peace Dinah Mattingly brought into his life when they married 14 years later in 1989.
5. She is the Stepmother of Larry Bird’s Biological Daughter, Corrie Bird
From his first marriage to Janet Condra, Larry Bird has one biological daughter, Corrie Bird, who was born in 1977. Corrie was largely raised by her mother and stepfather, as Bird had minimal contact with her during her early years. Corrie has since forged her own path, working as an executive with a major IT company and having a family of her own.
Dinah Mattingly, as Larry’s second wife, became the stepmother to Corrie. The family dynamic, which includes Corrie, Mariah, and Connor, is a complex tapestry that Dinah has helped weave together over the decades. The family currently resides in West Baden Springs, Indiana, where they continue to enjoy a quiet life away from the major sports hubs.
Larry Bird’s Enduring Legacy Beyond the NBA Court
Larry Bird’s career is defined by his legendary rivalry with Magic Johnson, which is often credited with revitalizing the NBA in the 1980s. He led the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships, often alongside his famous frontcourt partners, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish.
After retiring as a player in 1992, Bird transitioned seamlessly into coaching and then into a high-level executive role. He is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year, demonstrating his complete mastery of the sport from every angle.
His continued presence in the NBA, particularly with the Indiana Pacers, means that the spotlight is never truly off the Bird family. However, Dinah Mattingly's disciplined privacy has allowed them to maintain a sense of normalcy. She is the quiet, supportive force that enabled one of the most competitive athletes in history to find peace and stability in his post-playing life. Her story is a testament to the power of a strong, private partnership in the face of immense public scrutiny.
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