Governor’s Mother, Helen Willa McKee — Who Starred in Political Ad — Dies at 96

Governor’s Mother, Helen Willa McKee — Who Starred in Political Ad — Dies at 96

Helen Willa McKee, the mother of Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, has died at 96, GoLocal has learned.

She died at home with her family under hospice care.

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She was featured in a political ad in McKee's campaign to win the election for governor in 2022.

Her likability and down-home banter in the ad with her son may have made the difference in McKee winning the Democratic primary.

The McKee Family issued the following statement at 10:25 AM:

“Our mom and grandmother was an extraordinary source of love, joy, kindness, and support to her husband, children, grandchildren and many friends. Her home will forever be known as a fun, safe, and welcoming place to be. Willa McKee’s masterpiece of a life is now complete. We are blessed to have her love us all in a very special way. She will be missed and forever loved. Our family thanks everyone for their prayers and asks to respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

Funeral services will be private.

The ad titled "Motha" script ran as follows:

McKee: "Ever since Mom moved back in, we play cards."

Mom: "I even let him win sometimes."

McKee: "Mom always said, 'It doesn't matter what cards you get, it's how you play your hand.' We got dealt a pandemic and delivered one of the nation's best economic recoveries."

Mom. "Pretty good."

McKee: "We got rid of the car tax." 

Mom: "Finally."

McKee: "And we're upgrading affordable housing and passing gun safety laws that keep our families safe. Not bad for a year and a half."

Mom: "Not bad for a governor that lives with his mother."

McKee won the Democratic primary over Helena Foulkes in September of 2022 by less than 4,000 votes. 

Arrangements have not been announced. This story is developing.

UPDATED 10;40 AM