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- Kitty Dukakis dies at 88 (cbsnews.com)
Kitty Dukakis, Former Massachusetts First Lady, Dies at 88
Kitty Dukakis, wife of 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis and former first lady of Massachusetts, passed away Friday night at the age of 88, surrounded by her family. Her son, John Dukakis, confirmed her passing.
In a statement, the family shared that she dedicated her life to improving the world, “sharing her vulnerabilities to help others face theirs.” They remembered her as “loving, feisty, and fun,” with a deep empathy for people from all walks of life, highlighting the “enviable partnership” she shared with her husband for over six decades.
Dukakis served as first lady of Massachusetts during her husband’s three terms as governor, from 1975 to 1979 and again from 1983 to 1991. The couple were longtime residents of Brookline.
A Life Dedicated to Service and Advocacy
Friends and colleagues recall Dukakis’s passionate advocacy for various causes. Phil Johnston, former Secretary of Health and Human Services under Governor Dukakis, lauded her as a “heroine” and highlighted her commitment to immigration, homelessness, and the Jewish community.
WBZ-TV political analyst Jon Keller emphasized Dukakis’s significant influence on policy, particularly regarding homelessness, childcare, and arts funding, noting her active role as a policy advisor within the state house. He praised her impact as a legacy that continues to this day.
A Candid Voice on Personal Struggles
During her husband’s 1988 presidential campaign, Dukakis openly shared her struggles with addiction to diet pills. Following the election, she published a memoir detailing her battle with alcohol.
In 2017, she spoke with “60 Minutes” about her experience with electroconvulsive therapy for chronic depression, becoming a prominent advocate for the controversial treatment. Keller commended Dukakis for her courage in challenging stereotypes surrounding political spouses.
A Legacy of Service and Compassion
Dukakis’s commitment to public service extended beyond state politics. Appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the President’s Commission on the Holocaust, she was also a founding member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
She was an active campaigner during her husband’s presidential bid and considered a key influence in his decision to run. A memorable moment from the 1988 presidential debates involved a controversial question posed to Michael Dukakis about his stance on the death penalty if his wife were a victim of a violent crime.
His response drew widespread criticism.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey mourned Dukakis’s passing, calling her “a force for good in public life and behind the scenes.” Healey praised her advocacy for children, women, and refugees, as well as her efforts to ensure the remembrance of the Holocaust. She also acknowledged Dukakis’s courage in speaking openly about her personal struggles, inspiring others to seek help and break down stigma.
Dukakis is survived by her husband, Michael, and their children. She had a son from a previous marriage when she wed Michael Dukakis in 1963.
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- Kitty Dukakis dies at 88 (cbsnews.com)