Kitty Dukakis, wife of former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, has passed away at the age of 88, Fox News Digital has confirmed. Her son, John Dukakis, shared that she died Friday night, “surrounded by family.”

“She was born on December 26, 1936, and 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 was loving, feisty and fun, and had a keen sensitivity to people from all walks of life. She and our dad, Michael Dukakis, shared an enviable partnership for over 60 years and loved each other deeply. Thank you to all who have touched our lives over the years or who were touched by our mother.”

According to reports from The Washington Post and The New York Times, John Dukakis stated that his mother passed away at her home in Brookline, Massachusetts, due to complications from dementia.

Kitty Dukakis, born Katharine Dickson in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on December 26, 1936, was a prominent American political figure, author, and advocate. She was best known as the wife of Michael Dukakis, the former governor of Massachusetts and the 1988 Democratic nominee for President of the United States. However, Kitty built a legacy of her own through her resilience, public service, and activism.