Martin Short and Steve Martin postpone comedy tour after Katherine Short’s suicide; cite ‘unforeseen circumstances’

TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains references to suicide.


Martin Short, who is going through a tough time in his personal life, following the sudden demise of his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, has reportedly put his comedy tour with Steve Martin on hold.

The actors who were scheduled to take over the big stage with their much-anticipated live tour, ‘The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short’, announced that their shows scheduled in Milwaukee and Minneapolis for February 27 and 28, will be postponed.





Ticket holders can keep their tickets for new dates, and they’ll get details once things are rescheduled. As per reports, the organisers cited “unforeseen circumstances” for the postponement of the shows.

There’s still a show listed for March 13 in Washington, D.C; however, given the circumstances, everything’s up in the air while the Shorts mourns his daughter.

Katherine Short: Who was she?

For the unversed, Katherine Hartley Short was Martin’s oldest child with his late wife, Nancy Dolman. She was just 42. Katherine built a life far from her dad’s Hollywood world. She worked as a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles, pouring her energy into mental health and helping others. Katherine earned degrees: a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender studies from New York University and a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California. She even worked at Amae Health and did outreach to fight the stigma around mental illness. Her neighbours remembered her as warm, compassionate, and always out walking with her service dog.

In 2012, Katherine legally changed her name to Katherine Elizabeth Hartley, partly to keep her privacy, given her family’s fame.

The Short family issued a statement on behalf of Katherine following her passing, expressing that they are “devastated by this loss” and asking for privacy during this difficult time. They described Katherine as someone who brought “light and joy into the world,” a reminder of her quiet yet impactful life dedicated to helping others.

Martin Short's heartbreaking losses

The tragic loss of his daughter comes after a long history of heartbreak for Martin Short. He and his wife, Nancy, adopted three kids together: Katherine and her brothers, Oliver and Henry. Nancy passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010 after more than thirty years with Martin. Through all this, Martin has talked about how much loss has shaped their family, and how love and memory keep them going, even when things feel impossible.


DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, or mental illness, please seek professional help immediately from a doctor, mental health expert, or NGO. Helplines are also available.