Katherine Short spoke about ‘mental illness’ in years before her death
In a post about the support she received from her service dog in the years before her death, tragic Katherine Short also spoke publicly about living with “mental illness”.
Katherine Short spoke publicly about living with “mental illness” and the support she received from her service dog in the years before her death.
Katherine, a clinical social worker based in Hollywood Hills, California, was found dead at her home in the Hollywood Hills, California, on Monday (23.02.26) at about 6pm local time from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
On her since-deleted professional website, Katherine wrote about her dog, Joni – named after the singer Joni Mitchell, saying: “Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past 5 years.
“Joni will often be in the office with me, cuddled up on her bed. She is an absolute sweetheart and just LOVES people, so don’t be surprised if she greets you with a smile, a wagging tail…and maybe even a kiss.”
The website also detailed Katherine’s career as a clinical social worker and her private practice, listing dozens of areas of specialisation, including anxiety, psychotic disorders and borderline personality disorder.
Before opening her practice, she worked in psychiatric hospitals and outpatient programmes supporting veterans, low-income families and foster youth, according to her website.
She graduated from New York University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Gender Sexuality Studies and later earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California.
Katherine was actively involved with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind, whose mission is to erase the stigma surrounding mental health.
A representative for her comedian and actor father, Martin Short, 75, confirmed her death to Page Six.
They said in a statement: “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.”
Katherine was the adopted daughter of Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died from cancer in 2010.
The couple also adopted two sons — Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.
Although largely out of the spotlight, Katherine attended events with Martin over the years.
Their last public appearance together was in 2023, when they were seen celebrating her 40th birthday at Grand Master Recorders in Hollywood.
