Kennelly was born Barbara Ann Bailey in Hartford, Connecticut on July 10, 1936.

[1][4] She did not seek re-election in 1998, instead running for Governor of Connecticut against and losing to Republican incumbent John G.

[4] In 2011, Kennelly accepted a position at her alma mater, Trinity Washington University, as a distinguished professor of political science.

[6] As of 2015, Kennelly is a member of the board of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, a non-profit that provides assistance with elections in many countries.

[4] The Barbara B. Kennelly Post Office Building in Hartford is named in her honor.