Martin Short's daughter Katherine has died aged 42

In a statement shared with People, the Short family said: "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 made a conscious effort to keep out of the spotlight during her life, but she still attended some events alongside her dad, including the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2011 and the afterparty for The Producers in 2003.

She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies at New York University in 2006, while she achieved a master's in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.

Katherine subsequently worked as a licensed clinical social worker in a private practice, as well as working part-time at the Amae Health clinic.

Martin also had Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36, with his late wife, and he previously opened up about his life without Nancy.

The comedy star told AARP in 2019: "Our marriage was a triumph. So it's tough.

"She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her all the time. It's 'Hey, Nan,' you know? How would she react to this decision or that, especially regarding our three kids? I believe that when people die, they zoom into the people that love them. This idea that it just ends, and don't speak of them-that's wrong. That's based on denial that we're all going to die. So to me, she's still here.

"At the same time, her death emboldened me to take risks. With real tragedy, you become a little more daring. It's the yin to the yang: the positive part of life's dark side."