Katherine Dukakis, the former First Lady of Massachusetts and wife of Michael Dukakis, died at age 88, surrounded by her family.
According to Fox News, this comes after a life dedicated to public service and overcoming personal challenges.
Born on December 26, 1936, Kitty Dukakis spent her life fighting for various humanitarian causes and opening up about her struggles to inspire others. Her son, John Dukakis, confirmed that she passed away due to complications from dementia on a Friday night at her home in Brookline, Mass.
Kitty shared over six decades of an "enviable partnership" with Michael Dukakis, whom she supported through his political career, including his time as governor of Massachusetts and his 1988 run for the presidency.
Kitty was born to Ellis Dickson, a prominent violinist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Jane (Goldberg) Dickson. She chronicled her more nuanced relationship with her mother in her first book, "Now You Know."
She and Michael Dukakis married and together navigated the complexities of public life and personal challenges. Her support was pivotal during Michael’s three nonconsecutive terms as governor and his subsequent presidential campaign.
Their deep mutual respect and cooperation marked the couple's marriage, sustaining them through various political and personal highs and lows.
During the 1988 presidential campaign, Michael Dukakis faced a controversial moment when asked about the possibility of an irrevocable death penalty for the hypothetical killer of his wife. Kitty later acknowledged his response as a misstep, as many saw it as lacking emotion, which impacted the campaign's momentum.
Despite such setbacks, Kitty Dukakis used the media attention to voice her disapproval of the debate question's appropriateness, calling it "outrageous." This moment underscored her role not only as a spouse but as a moral compass within the campaign.
Kitty's advocacy was not limited to political campaigns; she also worked on numerous humanitarian projects. Her efforts were recognized when she was appointed to commissions under Presidents Carter and H.W. Bush which led to the creation of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Kitty Dukakis's advocacy extended into her battles with addiction to diet pills and alcohol, which she publicly disclosed. In her 60s, supported by her husband, she became a strong advocate for electroconvulsive therapy, which she credited with helping her manage her depression.
She penned books about her experiences, aiming to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and addiction and inspire others facing similar challenges.
Kitty's diverse ancestry, being of Jewish background while her husband was Greek Orthodox, also played a role in her outreach efforts, which included working with the homeless, refugees, and AIDS initiatives.
Kitty's impact extended beyond her immediate advocacy work. Her actions and openness about her challenges gave voice to many who felt marginalized. The many projects and initiatives she supported, along with the openness she brought to discussions around mental health and addiction, reflect her legacy.
Moreover, her passing marks the end of a life lived with relentless dedication to public service and personal resilience. The deep affection and mutual support she shared with her husband provided a foundation not only for her advocacy work but also for the enduring partnership that helped them navigate the vicissitudes of public life.
Reflecting on Kitty's life, her family extends gratitude to those who have supported them over the years, honoring her commitment to making the world a better place. Her son John's statement echoed the sentiments of many who were touched by her life: "She was loving, feisty and fun, and had a keen sensitivity to people from all walks of life."
