Martin Short Opens Up About Daughter Katherine's Passing at 42

Martin Short has spoken publicly about his daughter Katherine's death for the first time, appearing on CBS Sunday Morning on May 10 to discuss the loss.

The 76-year-old actor, known for his role in Only Murders in the Building, opened up about Katherine's passing at age 42 in February. "It's been a nightmare for the family," Short said during the interview.

Short drew parallels between mental illness and physical disease, reflecting on how both can be terminal conditions. He referenced his late wife Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 from ovarian cancer at 58. "Mental health and cancer, like my wife's, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal," he explained.

The actor described his daughter's lengthy battle with mental health challenges. "My daughter fought for a long time with extreme mental health, borderline personality disorder, other things, and did the best she couldn't until she couldn't," Short said.

He also shared a poignant memory of his wife's final words to him—"Martin, let me go"—which he connected to his daughter's own message to him during her struggle.

Katherine died at her home in Los Angeles. According to her death certificate, she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. She has been cremated.

Katherine was adopted by Short and Dolman. Besides her father, she is survived by her younger brothers, Henry and Oliver.