Who Is Dinah Mattingly? All About Larry Bird’s Wife and Their Life Together

Dinah Mattingly may not be a famous face, but she’s been a steady and strong presence in the life of basketball legend Larry Bird for over three decades. While Larry Bird was making big plays on the court, Dinah was standing quietly by his side—supporting him through every win, loss, and life change.

In this article, we’ll explore who Dinah Mattingly really is. We’ll talk about where she’s from, how she met Larry Bird, their simple but sweet wedding, their adopted children, and her life as Larry Bird’s wife. It’s a story full of love, loyalty, and quiet strength.

Dinah Mattingly Quick Bio


Full Name	Dinah Mattingly
Born	November 16, 1954
Age (2026)	72 years old
Birthplace	Vigo County, Indiana, USA
Height	5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
Net Worth	Around $75 million
Spouse	Larry Bird (married since 1989)
Children	Mariah Bird, Connor Bird (both adopted)
Stepchild	Corrie Bird (Larry’s daughter)
Profession	Retired PE teacher, philanthropist
Lives In	Naples, Florida
Related to Don Mattingly?	No

Who Is Dinah Mattingly?

Dinah Mattingly is best known today as Larry Bird’s wife, but there’s so much more to her story. She was born in Vigo County, Indiana, on November 16, 1954, and grew up in a small town with simple roots. She later went to Indiana State University, where her journey with Larry Bird began.

She isn’t someone who loves the spotlight. In fact, she avoids it. Dinah doesn’t use social media, doesn’t give interviews, and stays out of the public eye. But even without the fame, she’s played one of the most important roles in Larry Bird’s life.

Early Life in Indiana

Dinah was raised in Vigo County, a quiet area in Indiana where everyone knew each other. She lived with her parents and her brother, Doug Mattingly. Her father worked for the FBI in Terre Haute, and later helped with security for the Indianapolis Colts. Dinah’s family was proud, hardworking, and close.

From a young age, Dinah enjoyed being active. She liked sports, movement, and helping others. These early passions shaped her career later on. Even though she became linked with one of basketball’s biggest stars, Dinah never lost her down-to-earth values.

Dinah Mattingly at Indiana State University

Dinah attended Indiana State University in the 1970s, where she studied business. It was during her time in college that she met Larry Bird. At the time, Larry was just starting to build his basketball career. He had just transferred from Indiana University and was finding his place.

They didn’t start dating right away. Dinah and Larry were friends first. She was often seen around other basketball players, but it was clear that she had a soft spot for Larry. People close to them noticed that spark early on—even before they became a couple.

How Dinah Met Larry Bird

Dinah and Larry met at college, but their relationship didn’t start until years later. Larry had just gone through a rough time. He had married his high school sweetheart, Janet Condra, but their marriage ended after less than a year. They had one daughter, Corrie, but things between Larry and Janet didn’t work out.

It was during this hard chapter that Dinah came into Larry’s life in a deeper way. They became close, and soon after, they started dating. Dinah offered him something he didn’t have before—patience, peace, and real support. She helped him stay grounded as his fame grew.

Dinah Mattingly and Larry Bird’s Wedding

After more than 10 years of knowing each other, Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly got married on October 31, 1989. But their wedding wasn’t a big, fancy event. It was small and very personal—just five guests at a friend’s house in Terre Haute, Indiana.

And the best part? They wore stonewashed jeans at the altar. That’s how casual and real their love was. No flash, no spotlight—just two people who truly cared about each other. Larry was still recovering from back surgery at the time, and even then, Dinah stayed by his side.

Their simple wedding reflected their quiet lifestyle. They weren’t interested in showing off. They just wanted a life built on love and trust.

What It’s Like Being Larry Bird’s Wife

Being married to a superstar like Larry Bird isn’t easy. But Dinah has handled it with calm strength. She’s been with him through his playing years, coaching days, and his time as an NBA executive. Through it all, she never tried to take the spotlight.

Friends of Larry Bird say he depends on her. Some even said he couldn’t have survived all the pressure without Dinah. She helped him manage stress, made their home peaceful, and stayed away from the noise of the media.

Larry himself once said that getting married to Dinah was the best thing he ever did. That says a lot about how much she means to him.

Dinah Mattingly and Larry Bird’s Children

Larry and Dinah never had biological children together, but they chose to adopt two kids—and that choice changed their lives.

In 1991, they adopted Mariah Bird, and in 1992, they adopted Connor Bird. Mariah grew up to become a bright, successful young woman. Today, she works as an event manager for the Indiana Pacers, the team Larry once coached and led as an executive.

Connor’s path was more difficult. He faced legal issues in the 2010s, including a troubling incident in 2013. But despite the challenges, Dinah and Larry stayed by his side, showing how much they value family—even when it’s hard.

Dinah is also stepmother to Corrie Bird, Larry’s daughter from his first marriage. Although Larry’s relationship with Corrie was strained for years, they’ve tried to reconnect in recent times. Dinah played a quiet role in helping them build a bridge.

Dinah Mattingly’s Career and Passions

Before becoming known as Larry Bird’s wife, Dinah Mattingly had a career of her own. After college, she worked as a physical education teacher at North Side High School in French Lick, Indiana. Her love for sports and fitness made her a natural fit for the job.

She didn’t chase fame or big promotions. She enjoyed helping students stay active and healthy. Even after she married Larry, she stayed focused on simple, meaningful things like family, fitness, and staying grounded.

Dinah later shifted her focus to family life and quiet support. But her love for movement and health remained part of who she was.

Dinah Mattingly and Larry Bird’s Florida Home

Today, Dinah Mattingly and Larry Bird live in Naples, Florida, in a beautiful waterfront home. It’s big—over 6,000 square feet—but still feels warm and peaceful. The house has four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a movie theater, a boat dock, and even an infinity pool.

They first listed the house for sale in 2013, but later changed their minds and took it off the market. The home sits in a quiet, private area where they can enjoy life without the noise of the media or fans.

They also own a second home in Indianapolis, which they use when they’re spending time in Indiana. Even though Larry Bird is famous, Dinah has made sure their home life feels normal and calm.

Her Quiet Life Away from Fame

Unlike many celebrity wives, Dinah Mattingly never chased the spotlight. She doesn’t post on social media. She rarely attends red carpets or TV shows. And when she does show up at events, she stays quiet and respectful.

She enjoys a private life with Larry. The two often attend basketball games, charity events, or spend time with family—but always on their own terms.

Some people may not even recognize her in public, and that’s just how she likes it. She chose a simple life, full of love, trust, and quiet support. That choice helped Larry stay focused throughout his career.

Larry Bird’s First Marriage and Dinah’s Role

Before marrying Dinah, Larry Bird was married to Janet Condra, his high school sweetheart. They tied the knot in 1975, but sadly, the marriage ended just one year later. They had one daughter together, Corrie Bird.

Larry has been honest about how hard that time was. He once said that marrying so young was a mistake and that divorce shook him. But when Dinah Mattingly came into his life, things changed. She helped him heal and gave him a new reason to believe in love and marriage.

They had their share of ups and downs too, but Dinah stood by him. She gave him time, space, and strength when he needed it most.

Dinah Mattingly’s Giving Heart

Over the years, Dinah and Larry have quietly supported many charity efforts. One of their biggest causes is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. They helped launch the “Link Up with a Legend” program, giving kids safe places to grow and learn.

They also care deeply about cancer research and treatment. This passion came from personal family struggles with the disease. In 2014, the couple helped raise $800,000 during a fundraiser in Indiana.

Dinah never looks for praise. She gives because she cares. And she believes that giving back should come from the heart, not for attention. Larry once said, “You never do enough… but you’ve got to give back. That’s what it’s all about.” Dinah lives by that belief every day.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Dinah Mattingly? She’s not just Larry Bird’s wife. She’s his partner, his peace, and the quiet strength behind his success.

From her small-town roots to her quiet life in Florida, Dinah has shown the power of staying true to yourself. She chose love over fame, family over flash, and kindness over attention.

In a world full of noise, Dinah Mattingly reminds us that quiet love is often the strongest kind. And that behind every great man, there may be a woman like Dinah—calm, caring, and completely real.

(FAQs)

How many kids does Dinah Mattingly have?

Dinah Mattingly has two adopted children, Mariah and Connor Bird. She never had biological kids but raised both as her own. She’s also stepmother to Larry Bird’s daughter, Corrie.

How tall is Dinah Mattingly?

Dinah Mattingly is 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 cm). She may be small in height, but she’s played a big role in Larry Bird’s life!

What is Dinah Mattingly’s net worth?

Dinah Mattingly’s estimated net worth is around $75 million. That’s mostly shared with Larry Bird, but her smart choices and private lifestyle helped grow it.