The loved ones of Katherine Hartley Short are grieving the loss of the 42-year-old, who passed away on February 20, 2026, in Los Angeles. Katherine was the daughter of celebrated actor Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman.
A representative for Martin Short confirmed the news in a statement provided to InStyle, indicating that details surrounding her death are being kept private. Katherine was adopted by Short and Dolman immediately following her birth on December 3, 1983. The couple later expanded their family through the adoption of two sons, Oliver in 1986 and Henry in 1989.
Those who knew Katherine describe her as a person of profound empathy and thoughtfulness, characteristics that guided her professional path. She devoted her career to social work, focusing her efforts on assisting individuals facing hardship. Her colleagues and the people she served remember her as someone deeply invested in the well-being of others, approaching her work with both skill and genuine concern.
Despite her father’s prominence in entertainment, Katherine deliberately chose a life away from public attention, prioritizing meaningful vocation and connections with those closest to her. Her choice to enter a field centered on service reflected core principles of integrity, compassion, and selflessness that permeated every aspect of her existence.
The family suffered a severe blow when Nancy Dolman, her mother, died of ovarian cancer in 2010 at the age of 58. Over the years, Martin Short has openly discussed the profound effects of his wife’s passing, characterizing the time that followed as incredibly challenging and stressing the need of lasting love, emotional fortitude, and solidarity among family members.
Katherine’s passing introduces fresh sorrow to a family already acquainted with loss. Yet those who knew her find comfort in the enduring presence of her kindness and the meaningful imprint she left on their lives. Her example of purposeful living continues to offer guidance and inspiration.
The entertainment community, those in social services, and everyone who crossed paths with Katherine Hartley Short now recognize the understated yet significant mark she made during her time. Expressions of remembrance from friends, professional associates, and individuals whose lives she improved emphasize her empathy, unwavering commitment to others, and the quiet dignity she maintained throughout her life.