Martin Short has spoken emotionally about the loss of his daughter, Katherine Short, while highlighting the importance of treating mental health with the same seriousness as physical illness.
The actor shared his thoughts at Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund Benefit in Los Angeles on October 14, 2026. The event brought together supporters of youth mental health initiatives and included a tribute to Katherine, who died in February at age 42.
During his remarks, Short reflected on his family’s grief and praised efforts to make mental health conversations more open. His appearance also helped honor Katherine’s work as a clinical social worker, a career dedicated to supporting people through difficult periods in their lives.
Martin Short Reflects on Daughter Katherine’s Death
Short spoke about the similarities between mental illness and the cancer that claimed the life of his wife, Nancy Dolman, in 2010.
He explained that both involve serious illness and can have devastating consequences. He also acknowledged that Katherine had faced significant mental health challenges for a long time.
According to coverage of the event, Short said his daughter had battled borderline personality disorder and other mental health issues. He described her efforts with compassion and emphasized that mental illness should not be treated as a source of shame.
Short praised Gomez for using her platform to raise awareness and support programs that help people access mental health resources.
His remarks reinforced an important message: mental health conditions deserve understanding, care, and appropriate support, rather than secrecy or stigma.
Selena Gomez Honors Katherine Short With a Legacy Award
The evening also marked the introduction of the Katherine Short Legacy Award, created in memory of Martin Short’s daughter.
Gomez announced the honor at the annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit. The award recognizes people and organizations that make a meaningful contribution to mental health and their communities.
Its inaugural recipient was La Familia Counseling Center, a Sacramento-based organization recognized for five decades of community service.
The tribute reflected Katherine’s professional commitment to helping others. It also connected her memory with ongoing work to improve access to mental health support.
The Rare Impact Fund, founded by Gomez alongside her beauty brand Rare Beauty, raises funds and awareness for youth mental health services and education. The organization says its benefit event helps support that mission globally.
Martin Short Says His Grief Will Remain With Him
Short also spoke candidly about the lasting pain of losing his daughter.
During his speech, he recalled a line attributed to singer Dolly Parton: “Grief is love with no place to go.” He used the sentiment to describe how deeply the loss continues to affect him.
Short’s words offered a glimpse into the difficult reality of grieving a child. Rather than suggesting that grief simply disappears with time, he acknowledged that the pain remains part of his life.
He also expressed gratitude for Gomez’s efforts to raise awareness and funding for mental health initiatives, linking the evening’s purpose to a cause that has become deeply personal for his family.
Katherine Short Worked as a Clinical Social Worker
Katherine was the eldest of three children Martin Short shared with Nancy Dolman. Her brothers are Oliver and Henry Short.
Although her father built a celebrated career in comedy and acting, Katherine chose a profession focused on helping people. She studied psychology and gender and sexuality studies at New York University before earning a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
She later worked as a licensed clinical social worker.
Her professional path is an important part of the legacy being remembered at the Rare Impact Fund Benefit. The new award places the focus not only on her family’s loss but also on the work she chose to do for others.
Katherine died in February 2026 at age 42. In a statement released at the time, the family described themselves as devastated and asked for privacy. They remembered Katherine for the light and joy she brought into the lives of those around her.
Martin Short Has Previously Spoken About Loss
Short has discussed grief in earlier interviews and in his 2014 memoir, I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend.
His wife, Nancy Dolman, died from ovarian cancer in 2010. The couple had been married since 1980 and raised their three children together.
Short has also experienced other family losses throughout his life. In previous writing, he described continuing to remember loved ones as a natural part of living with grief.
In May 2026, he discussed Katherine’s death in an interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, describing the period as a nightmare for his family. He again spoke about the need to recognize mental health conditions as serious illnesses.
His latest remarks continue that message while showing how public conversations about mental health can intersect with deeply private experiences.
Why the Rare Impact Fund Benefit Matters
The Rare Impact Fund Benefit supports initiatives intended to improve access to mental health resources, particularly for young people.
Gomez launched the Rare Impact Fund in 2020. According to the fund’s official website, its work includes supporting organizations that expand mental health services and education around the world.
The Katherine Short Legacy Award adds a personal dimension to this year’s event. By recognizing community-based mental health work, it connects Katherine’s memory with practical efforts to help others.
For Short, the evening was both a moment of remembrance and an opportunity to encourage greater understanding of mental illness.
His message was clear: mental health struggles should not be hidden or treated as a family embarrassment. They should be met with compassion, awareness, and support.