What We Know About Katherine, Martin Short's Ultra-Private Daughter, and Her Life Before Her Passing at 42

The beloved comedian built a career on laughter, but behind the scenes, his family was carrying a story far more fragile. And this week, that story took a devastating turn.

Martin Short's daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, died on February 23, 2026, at the age of 42, according to a statement shared with the media. The news has left the world stunned, especially given how fiercely private the family had always been.

But a now-deleted website showed just a small glimpse of the woman who dedicated her life to helping others, but ultimately made a tragic choice.

A Welfare Check That Changed Everything

On Monday evening, around 7 p.m., police responded to Katherine's Hollywood home. According to law enforcement sources cited by NBC4, a friend had not heard from her in over 24 hours and grew concerned enough to request a welfare check.

When they arrived, officers reportedly found a note on the door, and inside the home, Katherine was discovered deceased.

People close to the case told the outlet that Katherine died by suicide.

A representative for Martin released a statement, sharing that the Short family was currently heartbroken and requesting that the public respect their privacy during this difficult period.

They also noted much everyone loved Katherine, emphasizing that her legacy will live on through the happiness and light she shared with those around her.

So, let's get to know that person a little better.

A Life Devoted To Helping Others

Katherine was born on Dec. 3, 1983. While her father was lighting up stages and screens, she quietly carved out a path rooted in compassion and service.

In 2006, she graduated from New York University with a bachelor's degree focusing on psychology, along with gender and sexuality studies, as reported by People. She subsequently earned her master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California, completing the program in 2010.

She gained her initial experience through internships at the West L.A. Veterans Administration and Public Counsel, a law firm providing pro bono services.

Following her graduate studies, she spent over four years at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital. She eventually transitioned to the Camden Center, where she worked within their dual-diagnosis outpatient program.

Later in her career, she established herself as a licensed clinical social worker in her private practice. Alongside her own business, she contributed to Amae Health by managing family support groups, peer assistance, psychotherapy, and community outreach.

Her clinical expertise centered on treating borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. Additionally, she dedicated her time to the organization Bring Change 2 Mind to help eliminate the social stigma associated with mental illness.

The Service Dog She Loved

In the years before her death, Katherine openly acknowledged her own issues.

According to Page Six, her professional website, which is no longer online, featured a biography and photograph of her service dog. She named the pet Joni in honor of the musician Joni Mitchell.

"Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past 5 years," Katherine wrote once.

She further mentioned that Joni usually relaxed on a bed in the office during her sessions. Describing her dog as incredibly friendly, Katherine noted that Joni adored meeting new people and would likely welcome visitors with a wagging tail, a cheerful expression, or even a lick.

A therapist who offered comfort to clients, while quietly relying on comfort herself, is beautifully human. But it's also bittersweet to learn about a woman who rarely sought the spotlight, even with a famous dad.

Life After Losing a Mother

Though Martin has spent decades in Hollywood, his children were largely kept out of public view.

He and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, welcomed Katherine, Oliver, and Henry Short through adoption, and family always came first, though they were surrounded by the trappings of fame.

Still, they went through some hard times. In a 2012 interview with The Guardian, the comedian spoke about his kids while reflecting on life after Nancy's death in 2010.

She and Martin were together for 36 years before her passing. "It's been a tough two years for my children," the comedian said at the time. "This is the thing of life that we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does you gain a little and you suffer a little. There's no big surprise."

The loss of their mother came when Katherine was in her mid-20s, and it was a defining moment for the entire family.

Years later, Martin reflected again on Nancy's passing in an interview with AARP.

"Our marriage was a triumph. So it's tough," he said in 2019. "She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her all the time. It's 'Hey, Nan,' you know? How would she react to this decision or that, especially regarding our three kids."

The actor also expressed the belief that when someone passes away, they transition into the hearts of those who loved them.

He rejected the notion that we should stop speaking of the deceased or treat death as a total conclusion, arguing that such silence stems from a denial of our own mortality.

To him, Nancy remains a constant presence in their family. Furthermore, he noted that experiencing such a profound loss gave him the courage to take more significant risks.

For him, this was the "yin to the yang," a way in which life's darkest tragedies can foster a more daring and positive approach to the world.

A Father's Quiet Pride

Despite guarding his family's privacy, Martin occasionally mentioned his children with unmistakable pride.

In that 2012 The Guardian interview, he referenced a line Frank Sinatra once said about his own father always being there to crush his dreams, explaining that he never wanted to be that kind of parent.

Then, almost casually, he gave a glimpse into his own family life. He said:

“My son Henry has just been backpacking round Europe. My son Oliver works at Warner Brothers and my daughter Katherine is a social worker.”

It was a simple recognition of the children he had raised.

A Tragedy That Raises Questions

Katherine's passing leaves behind a complicated legacy.

She was a highly educated mental health professional. She advocated against stigma. She openly shared that she had her own struggles, and she even brought her service dog into her office to normalize care and comfort.

Yet, even with resources, knowledge, and support systems, pain can run so deep that it leads to tragedy.

What Happened Monday Night?

Further details about the emergency response were later reported by the Daily Mail, which obtained audio of the 911 call tied to Katherine's death. The recording reportedly captured a dispatcher relaying critical information to first responders.

In the call, a Fire Department dispatcher stated that the wound appeared to be self-inflicted. The caller was described as being with Katherine but "unable to enter the bedroom."

A department spokesperson said crews arrived at approximately 6:41 p.m., though officials declined to identify the individual involved, citing privacy concerns. The impact of the tragedy began to reach beyond the family's private grief.

Milwaukee Show Postponed

Amid the tragedy, an upcoming live performance featuring Martin and his longtime collaborator Steve Martin will no longer take place as scheduled.

According to a notice posted on the Pabst Theater Group website, the duo's February 27 show in Milwaukee has been postponed due to "unforeseen circumstances."

Their statement confirms that tickets will be honored for a future rescheduled date and that further updates will be shared when available. Ticket holders were directed to contact tickets@ptglive.com with any questions.

The show, titled "The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short," is described as a fast-paced, comedic showcase highlighting the duo's decades-long friendship and on-stage chemistry, a partnership that began with the 1986 film "Three Amigos" and evolved into a touring collaboration that launched in 2015.

For now, however, the focus remains on family as Martin navigates an intensely personal loss.

A Father Who Put Family First

The tragedy comes at a time when Martin has often spoken about keeping his personal life grounded and balanced. In a 2022 interview with People, he reflected on choosing family over constant career ambition.

"And I think it's unbecoming at 72 to be 100 percent obsessed with your career. My life, my children, my friends — I have great joy in that,” Martin said. Those words now resonate even more deeply.

In September 2021, Katherine appeared with her father at the HempHera Kosmetikos pre-Emmy luxury lounge in West Hollywood. It marked the last time she was photographed publicly with Martin.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.