Kitty Dukakis, the former First Lady of Massachusetts, dedicated activist, and outspoken advocate for mental health and addiction recovery, passed away on Friday at the age of 88. Known for her resilience, candor, and commitment to public service, she spent much of her life working to break the stigma surrounding addiction, depression, and mental health treatment. Her passing marks the end of an era for Massachusetts politics and advocacy, as she leaves behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and relentless determination to help others.
Born Katharine Dickson Dukakis on December 26, 1936, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Kitty Dukakis became a public figure through her marriage to Michael Dukakis, the three-term Governor of Massachusetts and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee. As First Lady of Massachusetts, she was a vocal advocate for social issues, championing causes such as homelessness prevention, environmental conservation, and addiction recovery. She redefined the role of a political spouse, not merely standing in the background but actively shaping policy discussions and community initiatives. Even as her husband sought the presidency, she remained committed to the causes she cared about most, using her platform to highlight issues often overlooked in mainstream political discourse.
Kitty Dukakis became widely known for her fearless honesty in discussing her struggles with alcoholism, depression, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment for mental illness. In 1990, she released her memoir, “Now You Know,” a groundbreaking book in which she openly discussed her battles with alcohol dependency and prescription medication addiction. At a time when these topics were rarely discussed, she paved the way for more honest national conversations about mental health and substance abuse. Her openness and vulnerability helped to remove the stigma surrounding addiction, and her willingness to speak publicly about her experiences helped countless others who struggled in silence.
She also became a champion of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a treatment that was widely misunderstood and often stigmatized. Kitty Dukakis credited ECT with saving her life, and she worked to reshape public perceptions of the procedure. In her 2006 book “Shock,” she shared her experiences with the controversial treatment, helping to provide valuable insight into its potential benefits for those suffering from severe depression. Her advocacy for ECT encouraged further research and exploration into its use as a legitimate and effective treatment for mental health disorders.
Throughout her life, Kitty Dukakis worked tirelessly to support individuals and families facing addiction and mental health challenges. She collaborated with various organizations to increase access to treatment, reduce stigma, and push for policies that provided better care for those in need. Her advocacy was deeply personal, as she knew firsthand the devastating effects of addiction and untreated mental illness. Whether speaking at public events, advising policymakers, or working with families in crisis, she never shied away from difficult conversations—and her efforts made a tangible impact on countless lives. Her commitment to improving the lives of others and making the world a more inclusive and compassionate place left a lasting imprint on her community and the country at large.
Her legacy as an advocate for mental health and addiction recovery will live on through the many lives she touched and the policies she helped shape. Her work changed the way we think about mental illness and addiction, paving the way for a more compassionate and understanding approach to these challenges. Kitty Dukakis was not only a voice for those who struggled with these issues but also a tireless champion for their rights and well-being. Through her personal experience and dedication, she demonstrated that recovery was possible and that mental health and addiction were issues deserving of attention, compassion, and respect.
Kitty Dukakis is survived by her husband, Michael Dukakis, their children, and a wide network of friends, admirers, and colleagues who were inspired by her unwavering commitment to helping others. Her passing leaves a void in the advocacy world, but her legacy will continue to inspire those fighting for better mental health care, addiction treatment, and social justice. Those who knew her best have spoken of her as a fighter, a trailblazer, and a voice for the voiceless. Her courage in sharing her personal struggles helped change lives—and her work will not be forgotten.
In the words of those who knew her, Kitty Dukakis was a woman who showed that true strength lies in vulnerability. She was a fighter who refused to let the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction keep her from being an advocate for those who suffered in silence. She was a force for change and a symbol of hope for many who thought they had nowhere to turn.
May she rest in peace, knowing that she made a profound difference in the world. Kitty Dukakis’s work and impact will continue to be felt for generations to come, and her dedication to the causes she championed will serve as an inspiration for all who strive to make the world a better place.
