Actor and beloved comedian Martin Short has announced the postponement of several upcoming tour dates for “The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short,” his live comedy show with longtime collaborator Steve Martin. The decision comes as Short grapples with profound personal loss: the sudden passing of his daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, at 42 years old on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Katherine Hartley Short, a licensed clinical social worker and advocate for mental health, died at her Hollywood Hills home. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed her cause of death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Short family released a statement expressing their deep grief, saying, “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”

Affected shows include the performances scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026, in Milwaukee at the Miller High Life Theatre and additional dates in Minneapolis. The Miller High Life Theatre issued a statement citing “unforeseen circumstances” for the postponement and assured ticketholders that their tickets would be honored for a future rescheduled date. Katherine was the eldest of three children Martin Short adopted with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away in 2010.