On March 21, 2025, Kitty Dukakis, the former first lady of Massachusetts and wife of Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, passed away at her home in Brookline at the age of 88. Known for her vibrant personality and fierce advocacy for mental health, Dukakis's legacy transcends her role as the governor's spouse, marking her as a formidable public figure in her own right.
Born Katharine Virginia Dickson in 1936 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dukakis came from a distinguished background; her father, Harry Ellis Dickson, was the first chair violinist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She graduated from Brookline High School and later attended Lesley College, where she obtained degrees in education and social work.
In 1963, Dukakis married Michael Dukakis, a relationship that would last over six decades. As Michael pursued his political career, serving as governor from 1975 to 1979 and again from 1983 to 1991, Kitty transformed into an outspoken figure, championing numerous social issues including homelessness and refugees. She was no stranger to advocacy: "My interest is in seeing the Holocaust teach universal lessons," she proclaimed while speaking to the National Governors Association in 1983.
President Jimmy Carter appointed Kitty Dukakis to the first President’s Commission on the Holocaust in 1978, which later evolved into the United States Holocaust Memorial Council under President George H.W. Bush in 1989. Her efforts played an essential role in establishing the National Holocaust Museum, emphasizing her dedication to education and remembrance.
However, along with her public triumphs came personal struggles. During her husband's presidential campaign in 1988, Kitty publicly disclosed that she had battled an addiction to diet pills for many years.
"I knew it was a problem because I gave those pills credit for everything positive that happened to me," she confessed in an interview, showcasing her openness about mental health.
Following her husband’s electoral defeat and the stresses that accumulated during the campaign, Kitty's struggles with alcoholism became more pronounced. In November 1989, on the first anniversary of Dukakis's defeat, she ingested rubbing alcohol and landed in a hospital, an incident that raised alarms regarding her mental wellbeing.
At the time, her withdrawal was met with empathy from observers who understood that the pressures of waiting backstage during her husband's political campaign were far more stressful than she had revealed to the public.
Over the years, she cycled in and out of various rehabilitation programs while chronicling her journey in her memoir, "Now You Know,” published in 1990. "I’m Kitty Dukakis and I’m a drug addict and an alcoholic," she opened her memoir, shedding light on issues that were often stigmatized. Her honesty struck a chord, providing insight and inspiration to countless others facing challenges with addiction.
Kitty later turned to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in 2001 as an effective treatment for her depression, a method she became an advocate for after experiencing significant positive results. In collaboration with journalist Larry Tye, she co-wrote the book "Shock: The Healing Power of Electroconvulsive Therapy" in 2006, wherein she detailed her experiences with ECT. "It was a miracle in our lives," Mrs. Dukakis said, highlighting the profound impact it had on her mental health.
In addition to her memoirs, Dukakis's activism extended to the Kitty Dukakis Treatment Center for Women, founded at Louisiana’s Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in 2007, reflecting her commitment to supporting other women battling addiction. Her advocacy did not go unrecognized; she was often celebrated as a powerful voice for those marginalized by society.
Beyond her public service, Kitty Dukakis was devoted to her family, including her three children—John, Andrea, and Kara—and seven grandchildren. Her family left a moving tribute following her passing: "She lived a full life fighting to make the world a better place and sharing her vulnerabilities to help others face theirs. She was loving, feisty, and fun..."
Throughout her life, Kitty challenged societal norms surrounding the discussion of mental illness and addiction, advocating for understanding and acceptance, especially towards women. As she once articulated, "Have you ever heard the words assertive or aggressive used to describe the male spouse of a candidate? I think there’s a real double standard when it comes to strong, assertive women."
As a tireless worker for humanitarian causes, Dukakis dedicated her influence and energy to support vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless and refugees, making tangible changes in Massachusetts and beyond. Her assistance in the resettlement of Vietnamese and Laotian refugees in the late 1970s exemplified her commitment to social justice.
Kitty Dukakis leaves behind a legacy not only as the wife of a governor and presidential candidate but as a dedicated advocate who waged her battles for personal redemption publicly while uplifting others in their struggles. Her story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the shared human experience of overcoming adversity.
