Updated Feb. 24, 2026, 7:31 p.m. ET
“The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time,” Short’s representative said in a statement to USA TODAY on Tuesday, Feb. 24. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
No further details surrounding Short’s death were shared.
Scroll through for photos of the comedian with his family through the years, starting with his wife Nancy Dolan and kids, Katherine Elizabeth and Oliver Patrick in 1989 Los Angeles.
Joan Adlen Photography, Getty Images
Martin Short poses with daughter Katherine Elizabeth in 1989 in Los Angeles.
Joan Adlen Photography, Getty Images
Martin Short and family arrive at the premiere of Goldie Hawn’s new film “The Out of Towners” on Mar. 29, 1999.
Dan Callister, Getty Images
Martin Short attends the premiere of “Get Over It” with his wife and children in Westwood, California, on Mar. 8, 2001.
Glenn Weiner Martin, Mptvimages.com Via Reuters
Martin Short and son Henry attend the premiere of the animated film “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius” on Dec. 9, 2001 at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California.
Vince Bucci, Getty Images
Martin Short, his wife Nancy and daughter Katherine pose with actress Goldie Hawn at the afterparty for “The Producers” at the Hollywood Palladium on May 29, 2003, in Los Angeles.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Martin Short and his son Henry hold a large albino boa snake at the afterparty for the premiere of Paramount Pictures’ “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” on Dec. 12, 2004, in Los Angeles.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Martin Short and family attend the world premiere of “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events”at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on Dec. 12, 2004.
Hahn Lionel, ABACA Via Reuters
Martin Short and Katherine Short attend Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project “HULAWEEN” Gala and Midlers 60th Birthday Celebration at Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Oct. 31, 2005, in New York City.
Patrick McMullan Via Getty Images
From left: Katherine Short, Henry Short, Nancy Short, Martin Short and Oliver Short attend the after party for the opening night of “Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me” at Tavern on the Green on Aug. 17, 2006, in New York City.
Peter Kramer, Getty Images
Martin Short and son Henry Short attend the Film Society of Lincoln Center 34th annual gala tribute to Diane Keaton on April 9, 2007, in New York City.
Peter Kramer, Getty Images
Martin Short and daughter Katherine arrive at the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar party in West Hollywood, California, on Feb. 27, 2011.
Danny Moloshok, REUTERS
Martin Short and son Henry Short attend the Broadway opening night of “Pippin” at The Music Box Theatre on April 25, 2013, in New York City.
Laura Cavanaugh, Getty Images
Martin Short and Henry Short attend the Centerpiece Gala Presentation and World Premiere of “Inherent Vice” during the 52nd New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall on Oct. 4, 2014, in New York City.
Slaven Vlasic, Getty Images
From left: Gavin B. Keilly, Tara-Jane Flynn, Katherine Short and Martin Short attend the HempHera Kosmetikos pre-Emmy luxury lounge presented by GBK Brand Bar day one at Kimpton La Peer Hotel on Sept. 17, 2021, in West Hollywood, California.
Tiffany Rose, Getty Images For GBK Brand Bar
Martin Short and his daughter Katherine Elizabeth Short attend the premiere of “X-Files” at Mann Village in Westwood in 1998.
Vinnie Zuffante, Getty Images
Martin Short and his son Henry Short attend Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA red carpet premiere at the Santa Monica Pier on Oct. 24, 2024.
CHRIS DELMAS, AFP Via Getty Images
Martin Short and Henry Short attend the “You Had to Be There” screening at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Feb. 6, 2026, in Santa Barbara, California.
Rebecca Sapp, Getty Images For Santa Barbara International Film Festival
