Katherine Short, Daughter of Martin Short, Dies at 42

Katherine Short, a Los Angeles social worker and the daughter of actor and comedian Martin Short, has died at the age of 42. Her death was confirmed by her family on February 24, 2026.

Family Statement and Initial Reports

“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the Short family said in a statement. “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.” Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call from her Hollywood Hills home on Monday, February 23, at approximately 6 p.m. Paramedics pronounced her dead shortly after arrival. People.com

Cause of Death

A law enforcement source reported that Katherine Short died by apparent suicide. Los Angeles Times Police responded to her home after a request for a welfare check, initiated by a friend who hadn’t heard from her in over 24 hours. Officers found a note on the door. NBC Los Angeles

Education and Career

Katherine Short earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender studies from New York University in 2006 and a master’s degree in social operate from the University of Southern California in 2010. Los Angeles Times She worked at the University of California, Los Angeles’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital for four years after receiving her master’s degree. She then worked at the Camden Center, a mental health clinic in Los Angeles, before establishing her own private practice. Los Angeles Times She was also involved with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind, which aims to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. Los Angeles Times

Family Background

Katherine Short was the eldest of three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010. Los Angeles Times Martin Short also has two sons, Oliver and Henry. Los Angeles Times Martin Short and Nancy Dolman met in the early 1970s while working on a production of “Godspell” and married in 1980. Los Angeles Times

Tour Postponement

Martin Short has postponed dates for his tour with Steve Martin following his daughter’s death. The February 27 demonstrate in Milwaukee and two shows in Minneapolis on February 28 have been postponed. Los Angeles Times

Resources for Mental Health Support

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support. NBC Los Angeles