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In the years leading up to her untimely passing, Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine, was supported by a service dog that played a vital role in managing her mental health challenges.
Katherine’s now-removed professional website featured a heartfelt tribute to her service dog, Joni, named after the iconic musician Joni Mitchell. Alongside a photo, Katherine expressed the significant impact Joni had on her life.
“Joni is my incredible service dog who has been by my side, helping me navigate my mental health struggles for the past five years,” Katherine shared in her online profile.
She further described Joni’s presence in her work environment, noting, “Joni is often with me in the office, nestled on her bed. She is a true sweetheart and adores people, so don’t be surprised if she greets you with a smile, a wagging tail, and perhaps even a kiss.”
Katherine’s website also highlighted her accomplished career as a clinical social worker. She ran a private practice specializing in a range of areas, including anxiety, psychotic disorders, and borderline personality disorder.
She was also actively involved with the charity Bring Change 2 Mind, whose mission it is to erase the stigma surrounding mental health.
Katherine was reportedly found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her Hollywood Hills, Calif., home on Monday around 6 p.m. local time, per TMZ. She was 42.
“At 6:41 p.m., we responded to a reported shooting at that address,” the Los Angeles Fire Department told Page Six, confirming they received a call to 911.
A rep for the “Only Murders in the Building” actor confirmed Katherine’s death to Page Six in a statement Tuesday.
“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 the comedian, 75, and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died from cancer in 2010. The couple also adopted sons Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36, together.
After graduating from New York University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Gender Sexuality Studies, Katherine earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California.
Before opening her private practice, she worked in several psychiatric hospitals and outpatient programs that aimed to help many different groups including veterans, low income families and foster youth, per her website.
Katherine mostly remained out of the spotlight, but has attended a few events with her famous father over the years.
The father-daughter duo’s last public sighting was in 2023 for Katherine’s 40th birthday celebration at Grand Master Recorders in Hollywood.