In February 2026, the entertainment world was shaken by the tragic passing of Katherine, Martin Short’s daughter, at the age of 42. This devastating news thrust the beloved comedian and his family into the spotlight during a profoundly difficult period, highlighting the resilience of a man familiar with profound personal loss.

Although Martin Short is renowned for his comedic talent, his most cherished role has been as a father to his three adopted children, an experience now intertwined with both deep sorrow and enduring love.

Who Are Martin Short’s Children?

Martin Short, together with his late wife Nancy Dolman, adopted three children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. The siblings have largely stayed out of the limelight, choosing career paths far removed from the entertainment industry that brought their father fame.

Each child has pursued a life following their unique interests, from social work to sports production, illustrating the core values imparted by their parents.

How Many Children Does Martin Short Have?

Martin Short’s family, consisting of a daughter and two sons, was completed through adoption over the course of his nearly three-decade marriage to Nancy Dolman.

The family of five enjoyed a remarkably close-knit relationship, a bond that only deepened following the untimely loss of Nancy in 2010.

Martin Short’s Children: Names and Birth Years

The Short children were welcomed into the family through adoption over a span of six years. Their names and birth years are:

• Katherine Elizabeth Short, born on December 3, 1983.
• Oliver Patrick Short, born on April 29, 1986.
• Henry Hayter Short, born on August 4, 1989.

How Old Are Martin Short’s Kids in 2026?

As of 2026, the ages of Martin Short’s children serve as a poignant reminder of the recent misfortune that has affected the family. Oliver is 39 years old, and Henry is 36. Katherine would have been 42 if she had not tragically passed away in February of this year.

Did Martin Short Lose a Daughter? The Truth Explained

Indeed, Martin Short lost his daughter Katherine in a tragic event in February 2026. She was discovered at her residence in the Hollywood Hills, and authorities confirmed her death was a result of suicide.

The family issued a statement expressing their heartbreak and requested privacy while honoring Katherine as someone who brought “light and joy to the world.”

The Death of Nancy Dolman and Its Impact on the Family

Nancy Dolman, who was married to Martin for 30 years, succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2010. Her death at the age of 58 created a significant gap in the family, compelling Martin to assume the role of a single father to their three teenage and young adult children.

He later described those years as “challenging” for his kids, but they supported each other, commemorating her memory by keeping her spirit deeply ingrained in their lives.

How Martin Short Raised His Children After His Wife’s Passing

Following Nancy’s death, Martin Short adopted a philosophy of living life fully despite its hardships while raising his children. He promoted their independence and took pride in their choices away from show business.

He employed humor and transparency to cope with grief, teaching them that loved ones remain in our hearts if remembered, a lesson that has gained deeper significance following Katherine’s tragic passing.