Larry Bird Family Tree: The Story Behind The Boston Celtics Legend

Larry Joe Bird, born 7 December 1956 in West Baden Springs, Indiana, USA (raised in French Lick, Indiana), won three NBA Championships (1981, 1984, 1986) with the Boston Celtics, three consecutive NBA MVPs (1984–1986), and Finals MVP twice (1984, 1986). Member of the original 1992 Olympic Dream Team. NBA Coach of the Year (1998) and NBA Executive of the Year (2012) — only person ever to win MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.

The Family's Roots: A French Lick, Indiana Working-Class Family

The Bird family was working-class from a small town in southern Indiana (population ~1,800). The family struggled with poverty and alcoholism.

His Parents

Father: Joe Bird (1933–1975) — Korean War veteran; carpenter; struggled with alcoholism; died by suicide in 1975 when Larry was 18.

Mother: Georgia Bird (née Kerns) — restaurant employee; raised six children largely alone after Joe left and then died.

His Siblings

Larry was one of six children:

Mike Bird — eldest brother.

Mark Bird — elder brother.

Linda Bird — elder sister.

Larry Bird — fourth child.

Jeff Bird — younger brother.

Eddie Bird — younger brother; played college basketball at Indiana State.

His First Wife: Janet Condra

Janet Condra — Larry's first wife from November 1975 to October 1976 (less than a year). They had one daughter.

His Daughter: Corrie Bird

Corrie Bird, born August 1977 — daughter (with Janet Condra); Larry was estranged from her for much of her childhood; they later reconciled.

His Second Wife: Dinah Mattingly

Dinah Mattingly Bird — Larry's second wife from 1989 to present (35+ years).

Their Adopted Children

Conner Bird, born 1992 — adopted son.

Mariah Bird, born 1995 — adopted daughter.

The Bird Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: French Lick, Indiana; working-class family.

Father: Joe Bird (1933–1975) — carpenter; Korean War vet; died by suicide 1975.

Mother: Georgia Kerns Bird — restaurant worker; raised six children largely alone.

Siblings: Mike, Mark, Linda, Larry, Jeff, Eddie.

First Wife: Janet Condra (m. November 1975, div. October 1976).

Daughter: Corrie Bird (b. August 1977).

Second Wife: Dinah Mattingly (m. 1989 — to present).

Adopted Children: Conner (b. 1992); Mariah (b. 1995).

Larry Bird:

  • Born 7 December 1956, West Baden Springs; raised in French Lick
  • Springs Valley HS (French Lick); briefly at Indiana University (Bobby Knight); transferred and worked at French Lick municipal jobs for a year before...
  • Indiana State University: 1976–79 — led ISU to 1979 NCAA Final vs Magic Johnson's Michigan State (Bird-Magic rivalry begins)
  • Drafted 6th overall by Boston Celtics, 1978 (delayed reporting to ISU)
  • NBA Championships: 1981, 1984, 1986
  • NBA MVP: 1984, 1985, 1986 (3 consecutive)
  • NBA Finals MVP: 1984, 1986
  • All-Star: 12 times
  • 3-Point Contest: 1986, 1987, 1988 (3 consecutive — "the original")
  • 1992 Olympic Dream Team: gold medal
  • Retired June 1992 (chronic back problems)
  • Inducted Basketball Hall of Fame: 1998
  • Indiana Pacers head coach: 1997–2000 — NBA Coach of the Year 1998
  • Indiana Pacers President of Basketball Operations: 2003–2017
  • NBA Executive of the Year: 2012 (only person ever to win MVP + COY + EOY)

What the Bird Family Story Teaches Us

A Korean War-veteran carpenter father who died by suicide when Larry was 18. A restaurant-worker mother who raised six children alone. Five siblings, one (Eddie) also a college basketball player. A failed first marriage and a long estrangement from his daughter. A 35+ year second marriage and two adopted children. A career that put him alongside Magic Johnson as the saviour of the NBA.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Bird story carries the same lesson. Some careers are built on grief. Joe Bird's 1975 suicide is on the Bird family record alongside every NBA championship — and Larry has cited it as foundational to his work ethic. Write down what was lost early. The loss often shapes what comes next.

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