diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_backend_tk.py b/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_backend_tk.py
index 70eed6d75a81..5f34b4380be7 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_backend_tk.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_backend_tk.py
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ def legitimate_quit():
     root = tkinter.Tk()
     root.after(0, do_plot)
     root.mainloop()
+    root.destroy()
 
     assert success