BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP) – Kitty Dukakis, the wife of former Massachusetts governor and Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis, has passed away at the age of 88. She died on Friday night, surrounded by family, as confirmed by her son, John Dukakis, on Saturday. Dukakis was known for her openness regarding her battles with depression and addiction, using her experiences to help others who faced similar challenges.
Her family described her as “loving, feisty and fun,” emphasizing her deep sensitivity toward people from diverse backgrounds. They noted her remarkable partnership with Michael Dukakis, which lasted over 60 years, underscoring the love they shared throughout their lives together.
Kitty Dukakis played a significant role in her husband’s political career, notably during his 1988 presidential campaign, where she was acknowledged as a key influencer in his decision to run. Her presence was impactful, and she stumped tirelessly for his candidacy, earning high marks for her campaigning skills. However, her involvement in the campaign also drew attention to a highly publicized moment during a presidential debate when Michael Dukakis was asked how he would respond if Kitty were raped and murdered. His calm, unemotional response to the question garnered widespread criticism.
Throughout the campaign, Kitty shared her personal struggles, revealing in 1987 that she had overcome a 26-year addiction to amphetamines, which began with diet pills at the young age of 19. Following the election loss to George H.W. Bush, she entered a 60-day treatment program for alcoholism but faced a setback months later when she suffered a relapse after drinking rubbing alcohol.
In her autobiography, “Now You Know,” published in 1990, she attributed aspects of her addiction and struggles with low self-esteem to her mother. Later, in 2006, she published “Shock,” where she credited electroconvulsive therapy, which she began in 2001, for greatly relieving her long-standing depression, calling it a transformative experience that opened up a new reality for her.
Current Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey praised Dukakis as “a force for good in public life and behind the scenes,” recognizing her efforts to advocate for human rights and social causes, including a commitment to ensure the Holocaust is never forgotten. Healey highlighted Kitty’s courageous discussions regarding her experiences with substance use disorder and mental health, acknowledging her as an inspiring figure who worked to dismantle stigma and encourage others to seek help.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell shared a tribute on social media, noting that Dukakis utilized her personal experiences to support others. Campbell stated, “Her legacy will live on in the policies she helped shape and the people she inspired to speak their own truths.”
Kitty Dukakis’s story began in Brookline, Massachusetts, where she met Michael Dukakis during high school. Their relationship was one of contrasts—he was seen as dull and frugal, while she was known for her dramatic and lively personality. Despite their differing backgrounds—Michael’s Greek Orthodox faith and Kitty’s Jewish heritage—they married in 1963, blending their families as Kitty brought a 3-year-old son from her previous marriage into their union, along with their two daughters, Andrea and Kara.
Over her lifetime, Dukakis contributed significantly to various social causes. After the presidential election in 1989, President George H.W. Bush appointed her to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, showcasing her dedication to important humanitarian issues. Earlier, she served on the President’s Commission on the Holocaust in 1979 and was an active member of the Refugee Policy Group and the Task Force on Cambodian Children.
By the late 1990s, Kitty and Michael Dukakis divided their time between Massachusetts and California, where she worked as a social worker and he served as a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her various contributions to society, paired with her rich personal journey, have left a lasting impact on many lives.
