Kitty Dukakis, Former Massachusetts 
First Lady and Mental Health Advocate, Dies at 88
Katharine “Kitty” Dukakis, the former first lady of Massachusetts who became a prominent voice for mental health awareness and addiction recovery, has passed away at the age of 88 due to complications from dementia, according to news reports.
Her son, John Dukakis, confirmed that she died peacefully on Friday, surrounded by family.
“She was compassionate, strong-willed, and had an incredible ability to connect with people from all walks of life,” the family said in a statement. “Her love and partnership with our father, Michael Dukakis, spanned more than six decades, and they were truly devoted to one another.”
Her husband, Michael Dukakis, served as Massachusetts governor from 1975 to 1979 and again from 1983 to 1991. He was the 1988 Democratic presidential nominee, losing to Republican George H.W. Bush. During that campaign, a debate question about his opposition to the death penalty—even in a hypothetical case involving his wife—became a defining moment that some believe contributed to his loss.
Kitty Dukakis was a tireless advocate for mental health awareness and addiction recovery. She spoke candidly about her struggles with amphetamine addiction, which she revealed in her 1990 memoir, Now You Know, attributing it to early experiences with prescription drugs. Following the 1988 election, she sought treatment for alcoholism.
In 2006, she published Shock, detailing her electroconvulsive therapy treatment, which she credited with helping her overcome severe depression.
“Kitty Dukakis was a fearless advocate who turned her personal struggles into a mission to help others,” said Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., in a tribute. “She broke barriers by speaking openly about mental health and addiction at a time when few others would, and in doing so, she changed lives.”
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