Martin Short's Comedy Tour with Steve Martin Postponed After Daughter's Death
Comedy duo Steve Martin and Martin Short have postponed several upcoming shows on their The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short tour following the tragic death of Short's daughter, Katherine, by suicide. The 75-year-old Short and 80-year-old Martin were scheduled to perform this weekend in Milwaukee and Minneapolis, but both venues announced the postponements on Tuesday.
Venue Announcements and Rescheduling Details
The Pabst Theater Group released a statement on their website, citing unforeseen circumstances for the postponement of the Milwaukee show originally set for Friday, February 27th. They assured that tickets will be honored for a future rescheduled date and promised to provide updates as they become available. Additionally, the upcoming performance at The Fabulous Fox theater in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 10 has also been postponed. Other tour dates in March, April, and September have not yet been officially postponed but remain under review.
Confirmation of Katherine Short's Passing
Representatives for Martin Short confirmed the devastating news in a statement to the Daily Mail, announcing the passing of Katherine Hartley Short at the age of 42. The statement expressed profound grief from the Short family, describing Katherine as beloved by all and remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Circumstances Surrounding the Tragedy
According to dispatch calls reviewed by the Daily Mail, Katherine was found at her Hollywood, California, home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call at approximately 6:41 p.m., but declined to identify the individual due to privacy concerns. The person reporting the incident was unable to enter the bedroom where Katherine was located.
Katherine Short's Background and Family Life
Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree from the University of Southern California. She was adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, along with her brothers, Oliver and Henry. Dolman passed away in 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer, ending a 30-year marriage. Short has previously spoken about the impact of this loss, describing it as the most awful experience of his life and emphasizing the importance of remembering loved ones.
Steve Martin's Support and Personal Reflections
Following Nancy Dolman's death, Steve Martin paid tribute with a musical elegy titled The Great Remember (For Nancy). In interviews, Short has reflected on grief, stating that real tragedy can make one more daring and that the family's attitude is to go on. He has shared a George Eliot quote about never forgetting the dead, highlighting his enduring connection to his late wife.
Public Appearances and Legacy
Katherine was last seen publicly celebrating her 40th birthday in 2023 with her father and notable guests like Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. As the Short family navigates this new loss, they continue to process grief from past tragedies, with Short drawing on his experiences to support his children. The comedy community and fans have expressed condolences, and further updates on the tour are awaited.
If you are struggling, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988 for help and support.
