Martin Short Honors Late Daughter Katherine with Emotional Speech at Selena Gomez Gala

Actor Martin Short delivered an emotional tribute to his late daughter, Katherine, at Selena Gomez's Rare Impact Fund Gala on Wednesday, eight months after she died by suicide at the age of 42.

Short accepted the inaugural Katherine Short Legacy Award, established in his daughter's memory to honor individuals dedicated to community well-being. He described the past year as "very difficult" and acknowledged that his daughter's death had been "the heartbreak of our family."

"Mental health and cancer, which took my wife, for example, are both diseases," Short stated during his speech. "They are diseases, and sometimes diseases are terminal." He added that his daughter had battled "extreme mental health issues, borderline personality [disorder], other things" and "did the best she could until she couldn't."

Katherine Short, who worked as a social worker, was dedicated to helping people through difficult times and promoting compassionate conversations about mental health. Her commitment extended beyond her profession into the community. "So what an honor it is for me to be [here] helping present this award, which honors those creating lasting impact through their commitment to mental health and well-being," Short said.

Katherine Short died by suicide on February 23, 2026, at her Hollywood Hills home. Her death certificate confirmed a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Short had previously spoken about his daughter's passing in May, comparing her mental health struggles to his late wife Nancy Dolman's battle with ovarian cancer.

Dolman died in August 2010 at age 58. Short and Dolman, who married in 1980, adopted three children: Katherine, Oliver (40), and Henry (37).

Short reflected on his past experiences with grief, including the deaths of his brother in a car accident and both parents during his teenage years. He stated that these experiences developed in him a "muscle of survival and handling grief and a perspective on it."

Following his daughter's death, Short received support from friends including Steve Martin, Meryl Streep, Steven Spielberg, Kurt Russell, and Eugene Levy. In July, Katherine Short's Hollywood home was listed for sale at $1.75 million.

For those seeking help, the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available in the U.S. by calling or texting 988, or online at 988lifeline.org.