Former Texas First Lady
Nellie Connally
Notes from Evan Smith
"Nellie Connally, from her book From Love Field : A Remembrance.
Photo: Nellie ConnallyNellie Connally, wife to former Texas Governor John Bowden Connally, is the last surviving member of those in the car with President John F. Kennedy when he was assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963. Governor Connally was also shot, but he subsequently recovered and served two terms as governor until 1969. John Connally passed away in 1993.
Immediately following Kennedy's death, Mrs. Connally wrote down her personal experience of the shooting in a 26-page account that has not been shared until now. This testimony has been published in From Love Field : A Remembrance, to be released November 2003. It is said that this testimony deviates from the results of the Warren Commission.
Photo: Nellie ConnallyNellie Connally, born Idanell Brill in Austin in 1919, met her husband when they were both students at the University of Texas. She gave up her interests in acting when they were married on December 21, 1940. They had four children together. Mrs. Connally became the first lady of Texas when her husband was elected governor in 1962.
Nellie Connally is known for her wit and humor, and her tireless devotion to such causes as breast cancer research (she is a breast cancer survivor). Her deep friendship with Lady Bird Johnson dates back to the 1930s, when they were both students before their husbands went on to achieve political fame." - Evan Smith, Texas Monthly Talks, Broadcast 8.23.03
