Kitty Dukakis, wife of former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, died from dementia complications on March 21 at her home in Brookline. She was 88..Tributes from lawmakers poured in for Dukakis following her death.Here are some of those reactions: Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey"Kitty Dukakis was a force for good in public life and behind the scenes. The causes she championed — recovery, gender equality, human rights, and more — made a real difference in people’s lives," Healey posted on X (Twitter). "Sending love to Governor Dukakis and their family." U.S. Representative Bill Keating (D-Bourne)"Kitty Dukakis was a remarkable woman," Keating posted on Facebook. "Her courage in speaking in public about her personal struggles created hope and inspiration for countless individuals in need. Our Commonwealth was lucky to have her as our First Lady. Kitty’s legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and a commitment to making the world a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with my friend Governor Dukakis as well as their son and grandchildren." U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Cambridge)"Kitty Dukakis was a force of nature who will be remembered for her spirit and her courage," Warren posted on X (Twitter). "Early on in my first campaign, Kitty jumped in feet-first and shared advice grounded in decades of public service — advice that has stuck with me through the years. Our Commonwealth was lucky to have her. I'm thinking of Michael and the entire Dukakis family." U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (D-Worcester)"Kitty was an incredible friend and an amazing person who spoke candidly about her own personal struggles and, in doing so, helped so many others," McGovern posted on X (Twitter). “I honor her impactful life. My prayers are with Governor Dukakis and their entire family." U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Malden)Here is what Markey said in a press release from his office:I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend Kitty Dukakis, a woman whose dedication to public service, to uplifting others, and to human rights was fueled by her indomitable spirit. Throughout her remarkable life, Kitty transformed her personal struggles into positive and persistent change — a proud legacy that continues to benefit our Commonwealth and our country.Kitty was her husband’s most trusted adviser and confidant, fighting alongside Michael to advance the causes in which they believed. She was a champion for the most vulnerable in society and a fierce advocate for raising awareness about the Holocaust. Kitty worked to push open the doors to opportunity for more women to serve in government and leadership positions. She did all of this with a joy and selflessness that only brought us closer to her.Kitty was open about her battle with depression and addiction when few others were, and her grace and humility in the face of an intensely personal struggle inspired countless people to better understand these diseases and to extend assistance and understanding instead of recrimination and judgment. Today, the Kitty Dukakis Treatment Center for Women stands as a testament to her life’s work serving others.Kitty was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Long after they left the public spotlight, Kitty and Michael continued to live purposeful lives together, dedicated to public service in all forms, and fighting for a better future for everyone. Whether you knew her or not, Kitty Dukakis made all of us better, stronger, and more compassionate, and that legacy will never be forgotten. My prayers are with Michael and the entire Dukakis family.
Kitty Dukakis, wife of former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, died from dementia complications on March 21 at her home in Brookline. She was 88..Tributes from lawmakers poured in for Dukakis following her death.Here are some of those reactions: Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey"Kitty Dukakis was a force for good in public life and behind the scenes. The causes she championed — recovery, gender equality, human rights, and more — made a real difference in people’s lives," Healey posted on X (Twitter). "Sending love to Governor Dukakis and their family." U.S. Representative Bill Keating (D-Bourne)"Kitty Dukakis was a remarkable woman," Keating posted on Facebook. "Her courage in speaking in public about her personal struggles created hope and inspiration for countless individuals in need. Our Commonwealth was lucky to have her as our First Lady. Kitty’s legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and a commitment to making the world a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with my friend Governor Dukakis as well as their son and grandchildren." U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Cambridge)"Kitty Dukakis was a force of nature who will be remembered for her spirit and her courage," Warren posted on X (Twitter). "Early on in my first campaign, Kitty jumped in feet-first and shared advice grounded in decades of public service — advice that has stuck with me through the years. Our Commonwealth was lucky to have her. I'm thinking of Michael and the entire Dukakis family." U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (D-Worcester)"Kitty was an incredible friend and an amazing person who spoke candidly about her own personal struggles and, in doing so, helped so many others," McGovern posted on X (Twitter). “I honor her impactful life. My prayers are with Governor Dukakis and their entire family." U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Malden)Here is what Markey said in a press release from his office:I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend Kitty Dukakis, a woman whose dedication to public service, to uplifting others, and to human rights was fueled by her indomitable spirit. Throughout her remarkable life, Kitty transformed her personal struggles into positive and persistent change — a proud legacy that continues to benefit our Commonwealth and our country.Kitty was her husband’s most trusted adviser and confidant, fighting alongside Michael to advance the causes in which they believed. She was a champion for the most vulnerable in society and a fierce advocate for raising awareness about the Holocaust. Kitty worked to push open the doors to opportunity for more women to serve in government and leadership positions. She did all of this with a joy and selflessness that only brought us closer to her.Kitty was open about her battle with depression and addiction when few others were, and her grace and humility in the face of an intensely personal struggle inspired countless people to better understand these diseases and to extend assistance and understanding instead of recrimination and judgment. Today, the Kitty Dukakis Treatment Center for Women stands as a testament to her life’s work serving others.Kitty was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Long after they left the public spotlight, Kitty and Michael continued to live purposeful lives together, dedicated to public service in all forms, and fighting for a better future for everyone. Whether you knew her or not, Kitty Dukakis made all of us better, stronger, and more compassionate, and that legacy will never be forgotten. My prayers are with Michael and the entire Dukakis family.
