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💔 A quiet struggle behind the spotlight — Martin Short’s daughter Katherine once shared how her beloved service dog helped her battle private mental health challenges In the years before her heartbreaking death, Katherine Hartley Short had opened up about living with mental illness and the steady presence that helped her through it. On her since-deleted professional website, she introduced the world to Joni — her devoted service dog, named after legendary singer Joni Mitchell. “Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past five years,” Katherine wrote at the time, pairing the words with a photo that radiated warmth and quiet resilience. Those who followed her journey say the bond between Katherine and Joni was unmistakable — more than companionship, it was support, grounding, and unconditional love during difficult chapters. Now, as tributes continue to pour in, that small glimpse into her private fight has taken on deeper meaning — a reminder that even those surrounded by light can be carrying unseen battles.

Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine, had service dog to assist with ‘mental illness’ in years prior to death

Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine, had a service dog to assist with “mental illness” in the years prior to her heartbreaking death.

In Katherine’s since-deleted professional website, she shared a photo and bio of her service dog, Joni, who she named after singer Joni Mitchell.

“Joni is my incredible service dog, who has been assisting me with my own struggles with mental illness for the past 5 years,” Katherine wrote.

Martin Short and Katherine Short at Bette Midler's "Hulaween" Gala.

Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine, (seen above with her father in 2005) had a service dog to assist with “mental illness” in the years prior to her death.Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Joni, a black and white service dog, wearing a collar with a pink flower.

In Katherine’s since-deleted professional website, she shared a photo and bio of her service dog, Joni, who she named after singer Joni Mitchell.Katherine Short

Martin Short and Katherine Elizabeth Short smiling at an event.

On her since-deleted website, Katherine (pictured here with her father at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2011) wrote that the dog named Joni had “been assisting [her] with [her] own struggles with mental illness for the past 5 years.”FilmMagic

“Joni will often be in the office with me, cuddled up on her bed,” Katherine continued. “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.”

Also on her website, was a section that detailed her impressive career as a clinical social and her private practice where she had dozens of areas of specialization, 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.

Martin Short and his daughter Katherine at a film premiere.

“Joni will often be in the office with me, cuddled up on her bed,” Katherine (seen above with her dad at “The Spiderwick Chronicles” premiere in 2008) continued, adding that the pup is a “sweetheart.”Picture Perfect / Shutterstock

Martin Short with his son, Oliver, and daughter, Katherine, at the Comedy Central's "Night Of Too Many Stars" benefit for Autism Education.

The website also detailed Katherine’s extensive career in clinical social work before the USC alum (pictured here with dad Martin and her brother Oliver in 2006) opened her private practice.Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

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.

Martin Short and his daughter Katherine Marcia smiling.

Katherine (seen above with her dad at the “Late Show With David Letterman” in 2006) was reportedly found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her Hollywood Hills, Calif., home on Monday.WireImage

Martin Short speaks onstage at the Eighth Annual LOVE ROCKS NYC Benefit Concert.

A rep for the “Only Murders in the Building” actor (seen at the Eighth Annual LOVE ROCKS NYC Benefit Concert in 2024) confirmed Katherine’s death to Page Six in an emotional statement Tuesday.Getty Images for LOVE ROCKS NYC/God’s Love We Deliver

“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.

Henry, Katherine, and Oliver Short on the red carpet at the "Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me" Broadway Opening Night.

Katherine and her two brothers Oliver and Henry (seen above at the “Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me” Broadway Opening Night) were all adopted by Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman.FilmMagic

Katherine Short wearing a "BIRTHDAY GIRL" headband and holding bags from Grandmaster Recorders.

Katherine’s last public appearance was in 2023 when she celebrated her birthday at Grand Master Recorders in Hollywood (seen above).The Hollywood JR / BACKGRID

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.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

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