Gov. Patrick Plans Paris Trip For Wife's Birthday

Gov. Deval Patrick has a surprise for his wife Diane's 60th birthday Saturday — a trip to Paris.

The couple is flying out Thursday afternoon, with the governor scheduled to return Monday.

Diane Patrick has kept a relatively low profile during her husband's time in office, but has been a key support, helping him host a youth town hall and community service event at the start of his second term and making fundraising pitches on his behalf.

Diane Patrick, a partner at the Boston law firm of Ropes and Gray, has also spoken publicly about the support she received battling depression in the months after Patrick was first elected.

The trip was supposed to be a surprise, but Diane Patrick learned about it when the governor inadvertently forwarded her an email with trip details attached.