Martin Short and longtime collaborator Steve Martin have postponed upcoming stops on their joint live tour in the wake of the death of Short’s daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, who was 42. Venue notices for scheduled performances in late February cited “unforeseen circumstances,” as Short steps back from public appearances while the family grieves.

The postponements affect at least two high-profile dates on “The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short,” a touring stage show that has played theaters across North America for years. The Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis announced that the pair’s Saturday, Feb. 28 engagement was postponed and that tickets would be honored for the rescheduled date once announced. Entertainment outlets also reported changes to additional late-February shows, including a scheduled Milwaukee performance, based on venue postings and promoter updates.

Katherine Short was found dead at a residence in the Hollywood Hills on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, after emergency responders were dispatched to the home, according to widely reported accounts. People reported that the Los Angeles coroner confirmed the death was by suicide. The family, through a representative, issued a statement requesting privacy and describing the loss as devastating.

In recent hours, social media posts have amplified sensational claims suggesting a “far darker” scenario or hinting at an “explosive family secret.” At this time, there is no publicly available evidence from authorities to support those allegations. Major outlets covering the story have centered their reporting on official confirmation and the family statement, while noting that speculation circulating online remains unverified.

Katherine Short maintained a low public profile despite her father’s decades-long career in film, television, and theater. Reports described her professional work as a licensed clinical social worker involved in mental health services and outreach in the Los Angeles area. Martin Short, 75, has frequently spoken about family as an anchor in his life, particularly after the 2010 death of his wife, Nancy Dolman, with whom he adopted three children.

For theaters and ticket-holders, the immediate impact is logistical: organizers are emphasizing that tickets will be valid for rescheduled performances, and further information will be released when new dates are confirmed. For the comedian and his colleagues, the situation is more personal—an abrupt pause to a tour built on decades of friendship and a shared brand of live, conversational comedy.

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available in the United States through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988).