Kitty Dukakis, the wife of former Massachusetts governor and Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis, passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a profound legacy defined by her courage and advocacy. Her family announced her passing on a Friday night, emphasizing her commitment to improving the world and her remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. “She was loving, feisty and fun, and had a keen sensitivity to people,” her family shared. This deep compassion was a cornerstone of her identity, both personally and publicly.
Kitty Dukakis was not just a supportive spouse; she was an influential figure during her husband’s 1988 presidential campaign. Her tireless efforts on the campaign trail showcased her political acumen and her ability to resonate with voters. However, she also faced her own battles, openly discussing her struggles with depression and addiction, which she used as a platform to help others confront their own issues. Her candidness about her 26-year addiction to amphetamines, which began in her teenage years, was particularly noteworthy. In 1987, she bravely revealed this struggle and her subsequent journey towards recovery.
Her husband’s campaign positioned anti-drug efforts as a priority, and Kitty became a prominent advocate in educating young people about the dangers of substance abuse. However, the aftermath of the election proved challenging for her. Following her husband’s defeat to George H.W. Bush, Kitty entered a 60-day treatment program for alcoholism and later faced a relapse, an experience she candidly chronicled in her autobiography, “Now You Know.” In the book, she attributed much of her addiction to her tumultuous relationship with her mother and a history of low self-esteem.
In a subsequent book, “Shock,” published in 2006, she credited electroconvulsive therapy, which she began in 2001, with transforming her understanding of mental health and providing relief from the depression that had long plagued her. “It opened a new reality for me,” she wrote, underscoring the importance of seeking help and the potential for recovery.
Current Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey reflected on Dukakis’s legacy, calling her a “force for good” who worked tirelessly to ensure the Holocaust is never forgotten and championed the causes of children, women, and refugees. Healey commended Dukakis for her courage in discussing her battles with substance use and mental health, highlighting how her openness serves as an inspiration to break down stigma and encourage others to seek support.
Maria Ivanova, director of Northeastern University’s Policy School, remarked on Dukakis’s influence, noting that she brought a unique combination of honesty, compassion, and resilience to public life. This sentiment was echoed by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, who praised Dukakis for using her personal pain to inspire change and encourage others to voice their truths. Campbell emphasized that Dukakis’s legacy would endure in the policies she helped shape and the lives she touched.
Kitty Dukakis’s commitment to advocacy extended beyond the political realm. She served on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and was a member of various organizations focused on refugee support and children’s welfare. Her dedication to these causes was evident throughout her life, as she worked tirelessly to raise awareness and provide assistance to those in need.
The partnership between Kitty and Michael Dukakis was not only a personal one but also a formidable force for change. Their bond, forged in their teenage years in Brookline, Massachusetts, was characterized by mutual support and shared values. Kitty, a social worker and a graduate in modern dance and broadcasting, complemented Michael’s political pursuits with her vibrant personality and commitment to social issues.
As we remember Kitty Dukakis, it is crucial to recognize the impact of her life’s work and the barriers she helped dismantle. Her legacy is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the power of sharing one’s story to foster understanding and inspire change. In a world often marked by stigma and silence surrounding mental health and addiction, Kitty Dukakis’s voice will continue to resonate, encouraging others to embrace their struggles and advocate for a more compassionate society.
