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Martin Short is grieving the tragic loss of his daughter, Katherine, while sources suggest his rumored partner, Meryl Streep, is finding it challenging to console him during this difficult time.
Katherine, who worked as a social worker and was 42 years old, died by suicide on Monday, February 23, as reported by TMZ.
Her death was a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to reports.
“Martin is so heartbroken that he’s distancing himself from everyone, including Meryl,” a source shared with In Touch. “She’s been reaching out, trying to offer support in any way she can, but Martin seems to need time alone to process his grief. Meryl respects his need for space.”
Although the Only Murders in the Building co-stars have not publicly confirmed their relationship, speculation about a romance between the Oscar-winning actress, 76, and the comedian, 75, began circulating in 2024.
“Her hope is that they can pick things up and spend time together soon enough,” reveals the source. “At the moment, Martin’s only wanting to be by himself. Romance is the last thing on his mind.”
The mourning actor adopted Katherine — as well as sons Oliver, 39, and Henry, 36 — with late wife Nancy Dolman, who passed away in 2010 following a battle with ovarian cancer.
“There’s a sense Martin feels like he’s failed Nancy,” admits the insider. “He took on the responsibility to raise and care for their little girl and now she’s gone. He’s really beating himself up over her suicide and wondering what he could have done to have saved Katherine.”
On her now-deleted professional website, the tragic Hollywood heir confessed to grappling with “mental illness” issues for at least five years, per Page Six.
“Martin was always incredibly loving and supportive,” insists the insider. “It’s horrible for Meryl to see him so inconsolable. The poor guy’s spirit has been crushed to pieces and it’s hard to imagine he’ll ever recover.”