Martin Short Shares Heartfelt Thoughts on Losing His Daughter Katherine: A Family’s Painful Journey
Less than three months after the tragic death of his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, comedian Martin Short is candidly discussing the profound impact on his family and the importance of mental health awareness.
On Sunday, during an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning, the two-time Emmy Award winner reflected on his daughter’s struggles with mental illness. “Katherine did the best she could until she couldn’t,” he stated, emphasizing that mental health conditions are as serious as physical illnesses like cancer.
“It’s been a nightmare for the family,” Short explained. “But the understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal. My daughter fought for a long time with extreme mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder, and did the best she could until she couldn’t.”
He further shared a poignant memory, stating, “So, Nan’s last words to me were, ‘Martin, let me go.’ And what [Katherine] was just saying [was], ‘Dad, let me go.’”
Katherine Short passed away in February after first responders were called to her home in Hollywood Hills, a situation confirmed by the LAPD as a possible suicide. Following her death, her family expressed their sorrow, stating, “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.”
Martin Short, who lost his wife Nancy Dolman to ovarian cancer in 2010, has adopted three children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. His experiences and ongoing commitment to maintaining a hopeful outlook on life have resonated deeply with audiences for over five decades.
If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult life circumstances or uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, please call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
