"Let Me Go": Martin Short Opens Up About Daughter's Death by Suicide

"She did the best she could, until she couldn't." — Martin Short on his daughter Katherine

Actor and comedian Martin Short has publicly discussed the death of his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, who died in February 2026 at age 42. Multiple sources report the cause of death was suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to statements from Short and his family, Katherine struggled with borderline personality disorder and other mental health conditions. Short has used the occasion to discuss mental illness and call for reduced stigma surrounding mental health issues and suicide.

Family Background and Career

Katherine Short was the eldest of three adopted children of Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 and a master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010. She worked as a licensed clinical social worker at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital before entering private practice.

Katherine was also a mental health advocate and worked with Bring Change 2 Mind, a nonprofit organization founded by Glenn Close that aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.

A family statement released at the time of her death described her as "beloved by all" and noted she "will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world."

Martin Short's Statements

In an interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, Short described Katherine's death as "a nightmare for the family." He compared mental health conditions to cancer, stating that both are diseases that can become terminal. Short said his daughter "did the best she could, until she couldn't."

"Dad, let me go." — Katherine's last words to her father

Short noted that his daughter's last words to him were, "Dad, let me go." He stated that his wife Nancy Dolman's last words were "Martin, let me go."

Short expressed a desire to bring mental health discussions "out of the shadows" and reduce stigma. He said the word suicide should not be hidden but should be accepted as a possible final stage of illness.

Short's History with Loss

Martin Short lost his older brother David in a car accident when Short was 12 years old. His father died when Short was 17, and his mother died when he was 20. His wife, Nancy Dolman, died of ovarian cancer in 2010 after 30 years of marriage.

Short has stated these early experiences with grief helped him develop "a muscle of survival and handling grief." He noted he has never been in therapy, using personal coping mechanisms such as dictating notes.

Short has also recently mourned the death of his close friend and collaborator, Catherine O'Hara, who died in January 2026.

Documentary: 'Marty, Life Is Short'

A documentary about Short's life and career, titled "Marty, Life Is Short" and directed by Lawrence Kasdan, is scheduled to begin streaming on Netflix on May 12, 2026. According to the director, Kasdan suggested postponing the documentary's release following Katherine's death, but Short preferred to proceed with the scheduled release.

"The film is about love, loss, and survival. Grief must be addressed without denial." — Martin Short

Short stated the film is about love, loss, and survival, and that grief must be addressed without denial. The documentary covers Short's early experiences with loss and includes home videos depicting his marriage to Nancy Dolman. It also examines his career, which includes work on SCTV and Saturday Night Live in the 1980s, the character Jiminy Glick, and his current role as Oliver Putnam on Only Murders in the Building.

Current Professional Activities

Short continues his work on the Disney+ series Only Murders in the Building alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez. He has also announced plans for a Broadway return with Meryl Streep. Short attended the premiere of his documentary with his sons.

He has attributed his continued career and resilience to his two young grandsons, stating that he "heads toward the light" in difficult times.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.