Who is Larry Bird Married To? Meet Dinah Mattingly, The Woman Behind the NBA Legend

Dinah Mattingly: Larry Bird’s Quiet but Steadfast Partner

Larry Bird, the iconic basketball player, is synonymous with success both on and off the court. While his basketball accolades are well-documented, less is known about his private life, particularly his marriage to Dinah Mattingly, a woman who has stood by his side for decades. But who is Dinah Mattingly, and how has she influenced Larry Bird’s life?

Table: Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly’s Biography

Category	Larry Bird	Dinah Mattingly
Date of Birth	December 7, 1956	November 16, 1954
Hometown	West Baden, Indiana	Vigo County, Indiana
Profession	Basketball Player, Coach, Executive	Physical Education Teacher, Celebrity Volunteer
Marriage Date	October 31, 1989
Children	Mariah Bird (Adopted), Connor Bird (Adopted), Corrie Bird (Stepdaughter)

The Meeting: How Larry and Dinah Met

Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly first crossed paths while attending Indiana State University in the late 1970s. It was a pivotal time for Larry, as he was making waves in college basketball, a sport that would catapult him to NBA stardom. Dinah, who was passionate about sports and fitness herself, quickly bonded with Larry, and the two formed a close friendship that blossomed into a romance. They eventually married in 1989 in a private ceremony.

A Modest Wedding That Defied the Spotlight

Despite Larry Bird’s celebrity status, their wedding was a low-key affair, attended by just a few close friends and family members in Terre Haute, Indiana. In a delightful twist, both Larry and Dinah opted for a casual dress code—jeans—at the altar. This laid-back ceremony reflected their desire to lead private lives away from the media spotlight, a theme that has continued throughout their 35 years of marriage.

Parenthood: Building a Family Together

Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly share a deep commitment to family, having adopted two children: Mariah Bird and Connor Bird. Dinah is also stepmother to Larry’s daughter from a previous marriage, Corrie Bird. While Dinah has embraced her role as a mother and stepmother, she has remained discreet and out of the public eye, letting her husband and children take center stage.

It’s important to note that the couple faced challenges, particularly with their son, Connor. In 2013, Connor Bird made headlines after being arrested for attempted murder, among other charges. However, many of these charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Larry Bird’s Legacy: Supported by Dinah

Throughout Larry Bird’s illustrious career, which includes three NBA Championships with the Boston Celtics and multiple MVP titles, Dinah has been his pillar of support. From his time as a player to his roles as a coach and executive with the Indiana Pacers, she remained his steadfast partner. As Larry himself once remarked in an interview, “My success is deeply tied to the support of those closest to me—especially Dinah.”

In 1997, Larry Bird became head coach of the Indiana Pacers, a role that brought him additional accolades, including NBA Coach of the Year. Dinah was often seen in the stands, cheering on her husband while continuing to maintain her low profile​:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Life in Florida: Away from the Limelight

Today, Larry and Dinah Bird enjoy a quieter life, residing in a luxurious 6,000-square-foot home in Naples, Florida. The house, complete with an infinity pool and movie theater, serves as a peaceful retreat where the couple can relax away from the demands of public life​:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Dinah Mattingly?

Dinah Mattingly is the wife of basketball legend Larry Bird. The couple has been married since 1989 and has two adopted children, Mariah and Connor Bird.

2. Does Larry Bird have children?

Yes, Larry Bird has three children: Mariah Bird and Connor Bird (adopted with Dinah Mattingly) and Corrie Bird from a previous marriage​:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

3. How long have Larry Bird and Dinah Mattingly been married?

Larry and Dinah have been married for over 35 years. They tied the knot on October 31, 1989.

4. What does Dinah Mattingly do?

Dinah Mattingly has led a life away from the spotlight. She worked as a physical education teacher and has been involved in various volunteer efforts throughout her life​:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

References:

– people.com
– playersbio.com
– thefamouspeople.com
– sportsbrief.com