Kitty Dukakis, known for her candid discussions about her battles with depression and addiction, has passed away at the age of 88. The wife of Michael Dukakis, the former governor of Massachusetts and a Democratic presidential candidate, left behind a legacy of advocacy and strength. Her son, John Dukakis, shared that she died on Friday night with her family by her side.
Dukakis was remembered for her commitment to making a difference, often drawing on her personal experiences to aid others facing similar challenges. The family described her as empathetic to people from various backgrounds and noted the profound partnership she shared with her husband for over six decades.
During Michael Dukakis’s 1988 presidential campaign, she tirelessly supported him, influencing his decision to run for the office. In a memorable moment, she was part of a controversial debate question regarding the death penalty, which showcased both her and her husband’s beliefs under intense scrutiny.
Earlier in the campaign, Kitty Dukakis bravely opened up about overcoming a lengthy addiction to amphetamines, which she had struggled with for 26 years after starting diet pills at age 19. Her husband’s anti-drug initiatives gained a personal dimension, and she became an active voice against drug and alcohol abuse.
Following her husband’s electoral defeat to Vice President George H.W. Bush, Dukakis sought treatment for alcoholism. After a subsequent relapse, where she drank rubbing alcohol, she shared these struggles in her 1990 autobiography “Now You Know,” attributing much of her battle to familial influences and low self-esteem. In 2006, she published “Shock,” chronicling her relief from long-standing depression through electroconvulsive therapy.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey praised Dukakis for her public service and advocacy, highlighting her work in Holocaust remembrance, and her candidness about personal struggles, inspiring others to seek help and break down stigma. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell credited Dukakis’s legacy for shaping policies and encouraging truthfulness.
Maria Ivanova from Northeastern University, home to the Kitty and Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, hailed her honesty and advocacy for the homeless and refugees. The center’s director, Ted Landsmark, noted the couple’s effective efforts in supporting those in need and their shared dedication to activism.
Dukakis met her future husband in high school, navigating differences in personality and cultural backgrounds to build a loving family. Her life saw contributions to various commissions and boards, reflecting her enduring commitment to humanitarian issues. In later years, she balanced life between Massachusetts and California, remaining engaged in social work and education alongside her husband.
