Kitty Dukakis, former first lady of Massachusetts, dies at 88 - PBS NewsHour

Byline: Alex Carter

In a poignant turn of events, Kitty Dukakis, former first lady of Massachusetts, has passed away. Wife to Michael Dukakis, the former governor of Massachusetts and one-time Democratic presidential candidate, Kitty Dukakis was a figure of strength and resilience. She was widely recognized not only for her political influence, but also for her candid discussions about her personal battles with depression and addiction, an issue that is often stigmatized and silenced. This courageous openness about her struggles provided comfort and inspiration to many dealing with similar issues across the nation.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1936 as Katharine Dickson, Kitty Dukakis, was the daughter of an established businessman and a homemaker. She graduated from Lesley College in 1958 with a degree in education. Her academic prowess extended beyond her bachelor's degree, earning her a master's degree in education from Boston University in 1963. During this time, she also met Michael Dukakis, a Harvard Law student, and they married in 1963.

Her career spanned various roles, from being a teacher to serving as the first lady of Massachusetts for three terms. Kitty Dukakis was a dedicated advocate for several social issues. She was known for her efforts in promoting substance abuse treatment and mental health awareness, both areas closely tied to her personal experiences. Her commitment to these causes was evident in her public speeches and initiatives.

Aside from her involvement in social issues, Kitty Dukakis also played a significant role in her husband's political campaigns. Her charisma and genuine connection with people made her a compelling figure on the campaign trail. She was well-respected for her ability to communicate her husband's policy positions effectively, contributing significantly to his political success.

However, her life was not without personal struggles. Kitty Dukakis publicly battled depression and alcoholism, which she openly discussed in her memoirs. Her frank admission of these struggles was groundbreaking at the time and helped to shift public discourse on mental health and addiction.

Kitty Dukakis was not just a political spouse. She was a strong advocate for mental health, using her personal experience to raise awareness and break down societal stigmas. Her forthrightness about her struggles with depression and addiction were groundbreaking, at a time when such topics were often swept under the rug. She was open about her use of electroconvulsive therapy as a treatment for her depression, helping to demystify a much-misunderstood medical procedure.

Her advocacy work extended to areas of public policy. She lobbied for better mental health coverage in health insurance plans, and championed community-based treatment over institutionalization. In doing so, she played a pivotal role in shaping the conversation around mental health in the United States.

Despite the challenges she faced, Dukakis never shied away from her public role. Even in the face of personal hardship, she remained engaged in her husband's political career, and was a constant figure throughout his 1988 Presidential Campaign.

Friends and family remember her as a resilient woman, who turned her personal struggles into a public advocacy. Her life and work have left an indelible mark on the field of mental health advocacy, and she remains a symbol of strength and resilience for many who face similar challenges.

Kitty Dukakis was not just known for her role as a political spouse, but also as a tireless advocate for mental health issues. After opening up about her personal battles with depression and alcoholism, she used her platform to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

According to Dr. Sarah Vinson, a psychiatrist and President of the American Psychiatric Association, "Kitty Dukakis was a pioneer in the mental health community. She was one of the first high profile figures to openly discuss her struggles with addiction and depression. This not only helped to destigmatize these issues, but also brought attention to the urgent need for better mental health care in our society."

Her candidness about her struggles was groundbreaking at a time when such matters were often kept private, particularly among public figures. Kitty Dukakis was unafraid to share her story, even when it meant revealing her vulnerabilities to the public. Her honesty brought mental health issues to the forefront of societal conversation, paving the way for greater understanding and acceptance.

Kitty Dukakis' life was a testament to resilience and transparency, a narrative woven with threads of public service, personal struggle, and indomitable spirit. As the wife of former Massachusetts governor and Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis, she used her platform to candidly address her struggles with depression and addiction, thereby shedding light on issues often relegated to the shadows.

Her passing at the age of 88 marks the end of a significant chapter in both Massachusetts' and national political history. Yet, Kitty Dukakis' legacy extends far beyond politics. It lies in the countless individuals who found solace in her honesty, who found the courage to confront their demons through her example.

Though she will be deeply missed, her life's work and her unwavering advocacy for mental health will continue to inspire and influence future generations. As we bid her farewell, we remember not just a former first lady of Massachusetts, but a beacon of hope for those grappling with mental health issues.

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/kitty-dukakis-former-first-lady-of-massachusetts-dies-at-88