Originally appeared on E! Online
Martin Short has navigated a lot of heartbreak in his life.
After losing his brother and parents before he turned 20, followed by his wife of thirty years Nancy Dolman in 2010 from ovarian cancer, in February his and Nancy’s eldest child Katherine Short died by suicide at the age of 42.
“It’s been a nightmare for the family,” he told CBS Sunday Morning’s Tracy Smith of Katherine’s passing in an interview shared May 10. “But the understanding that mental health and cancer, like my wife, are both diseases and sometimes with diseases, they are terminal.”
Beyond a statement shared by his rep at the time of Katherine’s passing, this is the first time Martin has spoken about daughter’s death, and during the conversation he shared additional insight into her unseen battle.
“My daughter fought for a long time with extreme mental health,” the 76-year-old said. “Borderline personality disorder, other things, and did the best she could until she couldn’t.”
He reflected, “Nan’s last words to me were, ‘Martin, let me go,’” adding of his daughter, “And she was just saying, ‘Dad, let me go.’”
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But as much as he understood the challenges Katherine lived with, it hasn’t made the heartbreak any easier to navigate for him and his sons Oliver, 40, and Henry, 36.
Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic
“I was getting in the car that day,” he recalled of the day his daughter died. “And I was thinking,’ Okay, I’m 75 Why am I continuing? Like, really? What is the point of this?’”
But when the Only Murders in the Building star arrived at Oliver’s house in Newport Beach, California, where he lives with his wife Haylen Short, Martin remembered.
“I got to Newport, and these two grandsons, five and four just jumped, ‘Let’s play giant,’” he recalled. “And suddenly go, ‘Oh, that’s why. That’s why.’”
Martin’s resilience and his pursuit of joy, despite the heartbreak he’s experienced, are among the themes explored in the upcoming Netflix documentary about his life and career, Marty, Life is Short.
In a trailer for the project, his longtime friend, actress Andrea Martin, tells cameras of Martin, “Being a dad, it’s as genuine as his breath.”
For more insight into Martin’s happiest moments with his family over the years, read on.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
Family Man
Martin Short and his late with Nancy Dolman shared three kids: daughter Katherine Short (born Dec. 3, 1983) as well as sons Oliver Short (born April 29, 1986) and Henry Short (born Aug. 4, 1989).
The family had a night out at the Broadway opening night of the comedian’s Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me in 2006.
Dad & Me
Martin and Katherine joked around during a 1989 photo shoot.
Red Carpet Ready
Martin and Nancy, who married in 1980, took their daughter to the 1997 premiere of Jungle 2 Jungle.
Eventful Day
The couple brought their youngest son Henry to the Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events premiere in 2004.
Hello, Halloween
While Martin kept it business casual, Katherine dressed up for Bette Midler’s 60th birthday celebration on Halloween 2005.
Father & Son
Martin shared a hug with his youngest son Henry at The Second City’s Take Off, EH! benefit in July 2017.
Golden Moment
The family hung out with Goldie Hawn during the Los Angeles premiere of The Producers in May 2003.
Night Out
Martin was joined by Katherine and Oliver at Comedy Central’s Night of Too Many Stars benefit in October 2006.
Walk This Way
Martin unveiled his star on Canada’s Walk of Fame as his son Henry and niece Lena Dolman looked on.
Late Night
Katherine was on hand to support her dad’s appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman in March 2006.
Film Fanatics
Martin and Henry attended the Santa Barbara International Film Festival premiere of You Had to Be There on Feb. 6, 2026.
Vanity Fair
Martin brought Katherine as his plus-one to Vanity Fair’s Oscars after-party in 2011.