Michael Dukakis has been a name synonymous with grit and public service for decades, from his time as Massachusetts governor to his 1988 presidential run. At 91, he remains a figure of resilience, especially now, as he navigates the profound loss of his wife, Kitty Dukakis, who passed away on March 21, 2025, at 88. Her death, announced just yesterday, marks the end of a 61-year partnership that shaped his personal life and political career. Today, in 2025, his story is one of enduring impact—and a reminder of what dedication looks like.
Michael Dukakis: From Brookline to the Governor’s Mansion
Born in 1933 to Greek immigrants in Brookline, Massachusetts, Michael Dukakis grew up with a deep sense of civic duty. After Swarthmore College and a stint in the Army, he earned a law degree from Harvard in 1960. That same year, he married Kitty Dukakis, kicking off a lifelong partnership. His political climb began in the Massachusetts House in 1963, but he hit his stride in 1974 as governor. Though his first term ended in a 1978 loss, he roared back in 1982, serving until 1991. His “Massachusetts Miracle”—a tech-driven economic surge—cemented his reputation and fueled his 1988 Democratic presidential nomination.
That campaign was a rollercoaster. Dukakis led early, touting competence over flash. But Bush’s team struck hard with ads like Willie Horton, tagging him as weak on crime. A debate question about the death penalty—tied to a hypothetical attack on Kitty—drew a cool response that hurt him. He lost, but the defeat didn’t define him. Kitty, a fierce campaigner, stood by him, her own struggles with addiction adding depth to their public image.
Michael Dukakis: A Legacy Beyond Politics
After leaving office, Michael Dukakis didn’t retreat—he pivoted. He taught at Northeastern University for nearly 30 years, retiring in 2024 at 90, and also lectured at UCLA. Northeastern named its Center for Urban and Regional Policy after him and Kitty, a nod to their shared influence. He served on Amtrak’s board and pushed for healthcare reform, never straying far from public good. Kitty, meanwhile, made waves advocating for mental health, drawing from her battles with depression and alcoholism, detailed in her 1990 book Now You Know.
Then came the latest news: Kitty Dukakis died Friday night at their Brookline home, surrounded by family, after years with dementia. At 88, she left a legacy of her own—work on the Holocaust Memorial Museum, refugee support, and mental health openness. Governor Maura Healey called her a “force of nature,” while Michael, now alone after six decades together, faces a quieter chapter. Their three kids and seven grandkids mourn her, too, as tributes pour in across Massachusetts.
Looking Ahead
At 91, Dukakis remains a symbol of sticking it out. Retirement hasn’t dimmed his optimism—he’s still the half-glass-full guy friends describe. Kitty’s passing adds a layer of poignancy to his story, but it doesn’t erase his contributions. From turning around a state’s economy to mentoring students, he’s shown what steady leadership looks like. Her death, just two days ago, has people reflecting on their partnership—Greek Orthodox and Jewish roots blending into a life of service.
This moment feels personal for many in Massachusetts. Dukakis isn’t just a name in history books; he’s a neighbor, a teacher, a guy who kept going. Kitty’s voice—bold and honest—still echoes, too. Together, they built something lasting, and her loss only sharpens the focus on what they achieved.
Share your thoughts on Michael Dukakis’s journey and Kitty’s legacy in the comments below!