She and her husband were passengers in the Presidential limousine carrying United States President John F. Kennedy when he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963.

Connally was born Idanell Brill in Austin, Texas, the eldest of five children of Kathleen Annie (née Inks) and Arno W.

[2] John Connally began his career in politics working for then-Congressman (and future United States President) Lyndon B. Johnson.

[3] During her tenure as First Lady, Connally created the gardens at the Texas Governor's Mansion and also collected the state silver.

[4] On November 22, 1963, Connally and her husband were riding in the presidential limousine that carried United States President John F. Kennedy when he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

"[3] In her 2003 book From Love Field—Our Final Hours with John F. Kennedy, Connally shared her personal diary of the event written in the days immediately after the assassination.

She served on the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors from 1984, and a fund in her name raised millions for research and patient programs.

Connally was also a member of the Texas Historical Commission and helped to complete Tranquility Park located in Houston.

The following year, Richard Nixon, Donald Trump, and Barbara Walters turned out for a gala to honor her and raise money for diabetes research.