Martin Short Breaks His Silence on the Death of Daughter Katherine, 42: ‘Nightmare’

The actor said Katherine “fought for a long time with extreme mental health”

Actor Martin Short and Katherine Elizabeth Short arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2011, February 27, 2011 at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, California.

Martin Short and Katherine Short in 2011.Credit : 

Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic

Martin Short is opening up about how his family is dealing with the recent death of his daughter, Katherine Short.

During an appearance on CBS News Sunday Morning on May 10, the actor and comedian, 76, said her death has been “a nightmare for the family.” Katherine died by suicide at age 42 in February.

“But the understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal,” he continued. “And my daughter fought for a long time with extreme mental health, borderline personality disorder, other things, and did the best she couldn’t until she couldn’t.”

Martin Short, wife Nancy Dolman, and kids Katherine, Henry and Oliver

Martin Short, wife Nancy Dolman and kids Katherine, Henry and Oliver.Robin Platzer/FilmMagic

The Los Angeles coroner confirmed to PEOPLE that Katherine died by suicide.

“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the Short family told PEOPLE in a statement at the time. “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 worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also part-time at the clinic Amae Health to provide community outreach, family support groups, peer support and psychotherapy.

She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 and went on to earn a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.

Martin welcomed his three children, including Oliver, 40, and Henry, 36, via adoption with his late wife of 30 years, Nancy Dolman. Dolman died from ovarian cancer at age 58 in 2010.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Martin is set to be featured in an upcoming Netflix documentary film, Marty, Life Is Short, which premieres on May 12.

Martin Short attending the MindUP gala in Beverly Hills

Martin Short.JC Olivera/Variety via Getty

Marty, Life Is Short will offer an intimate look at the star’s life and career, exploring his decades-spanning roles and larger-than-life personality.

Directed by Oscar nominee Lawrence Kasdan and produced by Imagine Documentaries, the film combines rare archival footage with new interviews, per The Hollywood Reporter, while the trailer shows that Short will also touch on some of the losses he has experienced in his life.

According to CBS News Sunday Mornings, the documentary is dedicated to both daughter Katherine and actress Catherine O’Hara, who died on Jan. 30 at age 71 and worked with Martin for many years.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.