Dinah Mattingly: Larry Bird’s Wife, Her Life, Family, and Philanthropy

Dinah Mattingly, wife of NBA icon Larry Bird, has maintained a quiet yet influential presence throughout one of basketball’s most celebrated careers. While Larry Bird’s achievements on the court are widely documented, Dinah’s role as his partner and her contributions to their family and community deserve recognition.

This article examines Dinah Mattingly’s background, her decades-long marriage to Larry Bird, and their shared commitment to family and philanthropy.

Who is Dinah Mattingly?

Dinah Mattingly was born on November 16, 1954, in Vigo County, Indiana. Raised in Indiana’s heartland, she developed an early interest in sports and physical fitness. She grew up with her brother, Doug Mattingly, though details about her parents remain private.

Dinah attended Terre Haute High School before enrolling at Indiana State University, where she pursued a degree in physical education. This educational path led to her career as a physical education teacher at North Side High School in French Lick, Indiana, where she worked for several years before focusing on family life.

Standing at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) and weighing approximately 137 pounds (62 kg), Dinah presents a notable height contrast to her 6-foot-9-inch husband. Despite this physical difference, their partnership has proven strong for over three decades.

A common source of confusion: Dinah Mattingly is not related to Don Mattingly, the former professional baseball player. Though they share the same surname and both hail from Indiana, there is no familial connection between them.

How Dinah and Larry Met

Dinah and Larry first crossed paths at Indiana State University in the late 1970s. At the time, Larry was establishing himself as a standout basketball player, while Dinah focused on her physical education studies. Their initial connection began as friendship rather than romance.

The friendship they built during those college years became the foundation for their future relationship. After Larry’s brief first marriage to Janet Condra ended in divorce, he and Dinah reconnected. Their relationship turned romantic in 1986, several years after their initial meeting and after Larry had already become a star with the Boston Celtics.

On October 31, 1989, Dinah and Larry married in Terre Haute, Indiana. The ceremony reflected their preference for privacy: only five guests attended the wedding at a friend’s home. In a detail that captures their unpretentious approach to life, both bride and groom wore jeans during the ceremony. This simple celebration demonstrated their desire to keep personal matters separate from public attention.

Building a Family Through Adoption

Dinah and Larry have no biological children together, but they built their family through adoption. In 1991, two years into their marriage, they adopted their daughter Mariah Bird. The following year, in 1992, they adopted their son Connor Bird.

Mariah has pursued a career in sports management, working as an events manager at Pacers Sports & Entertainment. She graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a degree in recreation and has been instrumental in organizing major events for the organization. Her work keeps her connected to the basketball world, though in a behind-the-scenes capacity that aligns with the family’s preference for privacy.

Connor’s path has been more challenging. In 2011, he faced charges related to underage drinking. In 2013, while attending Indiana University, Connor was involved in a more serious incident that resulted in legal consequences. Despite these difficulties, the family has remained supportive, though they have chosen not to discuss these matters publicly.

Dinah also became stepmother to Corrie Bird, Larry’s daughter from his first marriage to Janet Condra. Corrie, born in 1977, initially had a strained relationship with her father, with reports indicating limited contact during her childhood. A paternity test was required to establish Larry’s fatherhood, and the early years of their relationship were marked by distance.

Dinah played a significant role in helping to mend this fractured relationship. When Corrie was initially excluded from Larry’s retirement ceremony, Dinah intervened to resolve the situation and bring the family together. Her efforts helped build bridges between father and daughter. Today, Corrie has established her own successful career in healthcare management, holding an MBA in Medical Administration from Indiana University.

Supporting a Basketball Legend

Throughout Larry Bird’s 13-season career with the Boston Celtics (1979-1992), Dinah provided unwavering support. Larry’s accomplishments during this period include three NBA championships (1981, 1984, and 1986), three consecutive MVP awards (1984-1986), and two NBA Finals MVP awards. He finished his playing career with 21,791 points, 8,974 rebounds, and 5,695 assists.

Dinah attended games regularly but maintained a low profile, allowing Larry to remain the focus of public attention. Her support extended beyond game attendance. As Larry dealt with chronic back problems that plagued his final playing years, Dinah provided stability and encouragement. These injuries limited his mobility and ultimately contributed to his retirement decision in 1992.

After Larry’s retirement from playing, Dinah continued her support as he transitioned to new roles. From 1997 to 2000, Larry served as head coach of the Indiana Pacers, leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2000. Dinah stood by him during this demanding period, which required different skills and brought new pressures.

Larry later moved into front-office roles with the Pacers, serving as President of Basketball Operations from 2003 to 2012, and again from 2013 to 2017. He became the only person in NBA history to win NBA MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year awards. After stepping down from the president role in 2017, Larry continued as an advisor until 2022. In 2023, he returned to the Pacers as a consultant, a position he maintains as of 2026.

Life in Florida and Indiana

Dinah and Larry currently reside primarily in Naples, Florida, in a luxurious home spanning 6,007 square feet. The property features four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a private movie theater, an infinity pool, and a boat dock. The couple initially listed this home for sale in 2013 but removed it from the market in 2016, choosing to retain their Florida residence.

They also maintain a home in West Baden Springs, Indiana, allowing them to stay connected to their roots. This dual-residence arrangement lets them enjoy Florida’s climate while remaining accessible to family and the Pacers organization in Indiana.

Despite their wealth—Larry’s net worth is estimated at $75 million—Dinah and Larry have maintained relatively private lives. They rarely grant interviews or appear at public events outside of basketball-related functions. Dinah, in particular, has no social media presence and continues to avoid the spotlight.

Philanthropic Contributions

One of the most meaningful aspects of Dinah and Larry’s partnership is their commitment to charitable work. The couple has contributed to numerous causes over the years, using their resources to benefit their community and beyond.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has been a particular focus for the Birds. They have been actively involved with the Link Up With a Legend program, which connects young people with mentors and provides sports-based opportunities. This organization’s mission of providing safe spaces and enriching programs for children resonates with the couple’s values.

Health-related causes, particularly cancer research and treatment initiatives, have also received support from the Birds. These contributions stem from personal experiences with family members affected by the disease. Their donations to cancer organizations reflect their understanding of how the disease affects families nationwide.

In addition to cancer research, the couple has supported the Special Olympics and mental health awareness initiatives, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This latter cause holds personal significance, as Larry’s father, Joe Bird, died by suicide in 1975.

In 2014, Dinah and Larry attended the annual Masquerade event in Indianapolis, which raised $800,000 for the Simon Youth and Pacers foundations. These funds benefited disadvantaged children across Indiana. At the event, Larry articulated their approach to philanthropy: “I don’t need the publicity. I’m not doing it for the publicity. But I do care. And that’s what matters most.”

This statement encapsulates the couple’s charitable philosophy. They contribute because they believe in the causes, not to garner recognition or praise.

A Lasting Partnership

As of 2026, Dinah and Larry have been married for over 36 years. Their marriage has endured in an environment where celebrity relationships often face intense scrutiny and pressure. Several factors contribute to their lasting bond.

Dinah’s consistent protection of their privacy has allowed the relationship to develop away from public observation. Despite being married to one of basketball’s most recognizable figures, she has successfully kept their personal life separate from Larry’s public persona.

Her support has remained constant through multiple phases of Larry’s career: his playing days, his transition to coaching, his executive roles, and his current consulting position. She has adapted to each new chapter while providing emotional stability.

The couple has also weathered challenges together, including family difficulties, health concerns, and the typical pressures that accompany fame and wealth. They have consistently presented a united front, demonstrating their commitment to each other and their family.

Their marriage serves as an example of how relationships can thrive even under the spotlight, provided both partners prioritize mutual respect, shared values, and privacy.

Conclusion

As of February 2026, Dinah Mattingly is 71 years old, while Larry Bird is 68. Larry continues his consulting role with the Indiana Pacers, offering his expertise to the organization he has served in various capacities for decades. Dinah remains out of the public eye, focusing on family and their ongoing philanthropic efforts.

Their daughter Mariah continues her work with Pacers Sports & Entertainment, organizing events and contributing to the organization’s success. Connor has largely stayed out of public view in recent years. Corrie maintains her career in healthcare management in Indiana.

Dinah Mattingly may not be a household name, but her influence on Larry Bird’s life and career is substantial. From their college friendship to their current life together, she has been a source of support, stability, and strength. While Larry Bird’s basketball achievements are well-documented and celebrated, Dinah’s role in making those achievements possible deserves acknowledgment.

Their story demonstrates the power of a strong partnership built on friendship, shared values, and mutual respect. As they continue their life together, focusing on family and giving back to their community, Dinah and Larry Bird represent a model of how to handle fame with grace, how to build a family with love, and how to use resources for the benefit of others.

In the case of Larry Bird, behind the basketball legend stands Dinah Mattingly—a woman who chose to support rather than seek the spotlight, to build rather than broadcast, and to give rather than take. Her quiet strength has been, and continues to be, an integral part of the Larry Bird story.