Martin Short's eldest daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, has passed away at 42, leaving the family in profound grief. The Shorts confirmed her death in a heartfelt statement, requesting privacy during this difficult time. Reports indicate she was found deceased in her Hollywood Hills home on February 23, 2026.
Oh, the entertainment world just took a heartbreaking hit. Martin Short, the comedy king who's been making us laugh for decades, is mourning the loss of his daughter Katherine Hartley Short. She was 42 when she passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at her home in the Hollywood Hills, California.
The family shared a touching statement with outlets like People, USA Today, and TMZ: "It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world." 💔
Katherine, the eldest of Martin's three adopted kids with his late wife Nancy Dolman—who tragically died of ovarian cancer in 2010—kept a low profile despite her famous dad. Born December 3, 1983, she stepped out occasionally, like at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2011 where she served looks in a teal strapless gown, or the 2008 Spiderwick Chronicles premiere in a navy blue number. She also joined for the 2003 afterparty for The Producers.
Education-wise, Katherine earned a bachelor's in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006, followed by a master's in social work from USC in 2010. She worked as a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Los Angeles and part-time at the Amae Health clinic. Plus, she was involved with the nonprofit Bring Change to Mind, fighting mental health stigmas. Her brothers, Oliver Patrick (39, senior associate producer at NBC Sports) and Henry Hayter (36), round out the trio.
TMZ, citing law enforcement sources, reported Katherine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with LAPD and fire department responding around 6:40 p.m. PT. The family hasn't confirmed the cause, keeping it close to the chest. This comes amid another blow for Martin—TMZ notes he recently honored his friend Catherine O'Hara after her passing last month. With comedy gigs lined up with Steve Martin this weekend in Milwaukee and Minneapolis, it's unclear if they'll go on.
Martin once told AARP in 2019 about life after Nancy: "Our marriage was a triumph. So it’s tough... I still communicate with her all the time." Heartbreaking echoes now. So, in this messy cycle of joy and loss, how does one even begin to heal?
