- Trump blocked 'First Buddy' Elon Musk from seeing war plans with China
- Joe Rogan rejects Canada as 51st US State but makes another suggestion
Kitty Dukakis, a trailblazing advocate for mental health and the wife of former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, ed away Friday at her home in Brookline, Massachusetts. She was 88. According to her son, John Dukakis, the cause of death was complications from dementia.
Born on December 26, 1936, Kitty Dukakis lived a life of public service and resilience. As the first lady of Massachusetts, she was a steadfast er of social justice initiatives, including efforts to aid the homeless, refugees, and those living with HIV/AIDS. Her advocacy extended nationally, as she worked on commissions under Presidents Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush, contributing to the establishment of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
While her husband's presidential campaign in 1988 is ed for its political challenges, Kitty Dukakis herself became a symbol of grace and tenacity. The campaign included a moment widely criticized for its insensitivity when debate Bernard Shaw asked Michael Dukakis how he would react if Kitty were raped and murdered. Michael's unemotional response became a defining moment of the election, and Kitty later condemned the question as "outrageous."
An advocate in every sense of the word
Kitty Dukakis turned personal struggles into platforms for advocacy. She authored two books that detailed her battle with addiction and her experiences with depression. In her 60s, she became a vocal er of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment for mental health conditions, helping to destigmatize the procedure.
Her upbringing was steeped in the arts, her father, Ellis Dickson, was a first violinist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a conductor for the Boston Pops. However, her childhood was not without difficulties, which she candidly addressed in her memoir Now You Know.
Kitty Dukakis' family described her as a loving and vibrant individual. "She lived a full life fighting to make the world a better place and sharing her vulnerabilities to help others face theirs," her son said in a statement. "She and our dad, Michael Dukakis, shared an enviable partnership for over 60 years and loved each other deeply."
Her advocacy and openness left an indelible mark on those who knew her or were touched by her work. Kitty Dukakis' legacy as a champion for mental health and social justice will continue to inspire generations. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.