Who Was Martin Short’s Late Wife? Inside His Marriage to Nancy Dolman

Martin Short he knows what true love looks and feels like, thanks to his late wife, Nancy Dolman.
In about 30 years, the Loner Criminals in the Building The star was married to a Canadian actress and singer. After Dolman’s death in 2010 after a three-year battle with cancer, Short shared his thoughts on how his late wife changed his life forever.
“His death gave me the courage to take risks,” he said AARP in 2019. “With real tragedy, you become brave. Yin to the yang: the good side of the dark side of life.”
The couple’s love story came to light again in February 2026 when one of their children, Katherine Hartley Short, he was found dead at his home in Hollywood Hills, California.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” Martin’s spokesperson said in a statement. Us Weekly at that time. “The Short family is devastated by this loss and requests privacy at this time. Katherine was loved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought to the world.”
Read on to learn more about Martin and Dolman’s relationship and the family they created:
How Did Martin Short and Nancy Dolman’s Love Story Begin?

Nancy Dolman and Martin Short
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesMartin Short and Nancy Dolman first met in Toronto, Canada, while working on music production for Godspell in 1972. (Both were cast members.)
After dating, the couple got married in December 1980 and began to start their family.
When Did Martin Short’s Wife Nancy Dolman Die?
In August 2010, Martin Short mourned the death of his wife, Nancy Dolman, three years after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Dolman died at his home in Pacific Palisades, California. He was 58 years old.
Although he was nominated for his work in FX DamageShort chose to skip the 2010 Emmys after the death of his wife.
What Does Martin Short Say About Grief?
In interview no AARP In 2019, Martin Short opened up about life without his wife.
Our marriage was successful, so it is difficult. He says, ‘Hey, Nan,’ you know? How would he react to this or that decision, especially regarding our three children. I believe that when people die, they bring their loved ones closer. This idea that it ends, don’t talk about them – it’s wrong. That is based on the denial that we are all going to die. So for me, he’s still there.”
How Many Children Did Martin Short and Nancy Dolman Have?
During their almost 30 years of marriage, Martin Short and Nancy Dolman had three children, including Katherine Hartley Short, Oliver Short and Henry Short.
“None of them wanted to go into show business, I fired them,” Martin joked about his children’s hatred of Hollywood during an appearance in 2021. Conan. “I wanted them to enter the sports business.
Katherine was a social worker and involved with a charity Bring about a Change in Mind before his death in February 2026. This organization aims to end the ongoing stigma associated with mental health in young people.
According to LinkedIn, Oliver is an event producer while Henry works as a veterinary assistant at a hospital in Southern California.
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