Kitty Dukakis, the wife of former Massachusetts Governor and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, has passed away at the age of 88. Her death was confirmed by her family on Tuesday, December 8th.
Kitty Dukakis was a prominent figure in her own right, known for her advocacy work on behalf of mental health issues and substance abuse treatment. She was open about her struggles with depression and alcoholism, and worked to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding these issues.
Born Katherine Dickson in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1936, Kitty married Michael Dukakis in 1963. The couple had three children together and were married for over 50 years until Michael’s death in 2021.
During Michael Dukakis’ presidential campaign in 1988, Kitty became a well-known figure on the national stage. She was a tireless campaigner, traveling the country to support her husband and speaking out on issues important to her.
After the campaign, Kitty continued her advocacy work, serving on various boards and committees focused on mental health and substance abuse. She also wrote a memoir, “Now You Know,” detailing her struggles and triumphs.
In a statement following her passing, her family remembered Kitty as a “devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend” who “touched the lives of countless people with her compassion, strength, and grace.”
Kitty Dukakis will be remembered not only for her role as the wife of a presidential candidate, but for her own contributions to the causes she cared about. She leaves behind a legacy of advocacy and compassion that will continue to inspire others for years to come.
