Remembering Nancy Dolman: All about Martin Short's late wife

TRIGGER WARNING: The following content contains mentions of death by suicide. Reader discretion is advised.


Martin Short’s family has been rocked by heartbreaking news yet again. Katherine Short, Martin’s oldest daughter, has passed away at 42. She was found at her home in the Hollywood Hills on February 23, 2026, and as per the report in People, police believe she took her life.

Katherine was the eldest of Martin and Nancy Dolman’s three adopted kids. She spent her life helping others as a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles, focusing on mental health and community support. Per People, her family is devastated and has asked for privacy as they process this loss.




For Martin Short himself, this pain cuts deep. In fact, it brings back the painful memories of a loss he went through back in 2010, when his wife (and Katherine’s mother), Nancy Dolman, passed away.

Who was Nancy Dolman?

For the unversed, Nancy Dolman grew up in Canada, where she started out as an actress and singer. Fans might remember Nancy best from her role as Annie Selig Tate on the sitcom 'Soap.' Her warm, funny presence lit up the screen in the late ’70s and early ’80s. However, after marrying Martin, Nancy chose to leave acting behind in the mid-1980s.

Nancy met Martin Short in 1972, when they were both cast in a Toronto production of 'Godspell.' That show did more than launch their careers. It brought them together. The couple married in December 1980.

Although Nancy made her mark on TV and stage before, she decided to step away from the spotlight after her marriage for something even more important: her family. She wanted to focus on raising their three adopted kids: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry.

Martin and Nancy’s marriage lasted three decades, which, it goes without saying, is a rare thing in Hollywood. Their unique choice to adopt children and raise their family out of the glare of the spotlight, focusing on what mattered most to them.

Nancy and Martin built their home around love, creativity, and mutual support. In fact, Martin has often called their relationship a true partnership, one that shaped him in every way.

However, fate had other plans.

Nancy’s life was cut short by ovarian cancer. She passed away on August 21, 2010, at just 58 years old. Losing her left Martin and their children heartbroken. Martin has spoken openly about just how hard that time was, calling it “absolutely horrible.” But he also mentioned how he and the kids have kept her memory alive, finding ways to honor her every day.

After Nancy’s demise, Martin kept working in movies and on stage, but the family stayed at the center of his life. Reportedly, he’s often talked about Nancy as his compass, saying he still “talks to her” in his thoughts.

Now, with Katherine gone, old wounds have opened for Martin and his two sons.

Who is Martin Short?

Now, let’s take a look at Martin Short, who’s still lighting up the screens, despite his personal loss and grief. Martin Short is one of Canada’s most beloved entertainers. People know him from the famous ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL), where he made his name with quick wit and unforgettable characters. He’s starred in movies like ‘Three Amigos!’ and ‘Father of the Bride,' and he’s still popping up in new hits like ‘Only Murders in the Building,' where he shares the screen with Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, Meryl Streep, and more.

But Martin Short is more than just laughs. He’s also done dramatic roles, musicals, and even written a memoir, ‘I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend,' where he opens up about the highs, the heartbreaks, and everything in between.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”