Martin Short Reportedly Ignoring Rumored Girlfriend Amid His Grief

Martin Short is having a hard time dealing with the loss of his beloved daughter, Katherine Short.

According to new reports, the Canadian comedian/actor remains "inconsolable," so much so that he doesn't want the affection of his rumored girlfriend, Meryl Streep.

Martin Short adopted three children with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in August 2010. His oldest child, Katherine Short, died by suicide on February 23, 2026, at the age of 42.

A source recently shed light on Martin's state of mind following Katherine's tragic passing, alleging the "Only Murders In The Building" star wasn't in the best shape. They claimed he was so heartbroken that his rumored girlfriend struggled to find a way to console him.

"Martin is so devastated that he's pushing everyone away – including Meryl," the source told In Touch. "She's been checking in and trying to help in any way possible, but Martin clearly wants space to grieve right now," they added, noting Streep would honor Martin's will.

The source claimed the Hollywood icon hoped Martin would bounce back soon, so they could spend time together. However, "at the moment, Martin's only wanting to be by himself.

Romance is the last thing on his mind," they claimed. Streep and Martin have never confirmed the relationship rumors, which began spreading in 2024.

The source's claims about Martin's mental state continued, with allegations of his struggle with what-if scenarios. "There's a sense Martin feels like he's failed Nancy," the source said, referencing the actor's late wife, who died of ovarian cancer in August 2010.

The source explained that Martin had shouldered the responsibility of raising the couple's three children, Katherine and two sons named Oliver and Henry, after his wife's passing. On that note, he allegedly felt like he had failed at his job as a father following Katherine's death.

"He's really beating himself up over her suicide and wondering what he could have done to have saved Katherine," the source claimed. They added that Martin was "always incredibly loving and supportive," which made his rumored girlfriend feel "horrible" to see him so "inconsolable."

The source claimed Martin's "spirit has been crushed to pieces, and it's hard to imagine he'll ever recover," sentiments other insiders echoed. The Blast covered the story, reporting that the actor's closest friends were spotted at the Los Angeles home of one of his two sons, Henry Short.

The group included Steven Spielberg, Kurt Russell, and Eugene Levy, who reportedly joined Martin and his son for an intimate dinner. Insiders explained that the public figures rushed over to Martin's side to offer their condolences and support; however, it was easier said than done.

"Short is inconsolable. This loss has completely shattered him. He is gutted, and as you would expect," insiders shared. Streep and Martin's longtime collaborator, Steve Martin, was also noted to have rallied to his side during this difficult period.

Following news of Katherine's tragic passing, The Blast reported that two of Martin and Steve's comedy shows were postponed until further notice. The February 27 and October 10 performances were a part of the duo's "The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short" comedy tour.

The February 27 performance had been scheduled to take place at the Pabst Theater Group in Milwaukee, while the October 10 show was set at the Fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis. Both venues confirmed the postponement in statements, citing "unforeseen circumstances."

On the other hand, Martin's and Steve's shows scheduled for March, April, and September had not been officially postponed. The news came at the heels of Katherine's death from a "self-inflicted" gunshot wound. She was found dead in her Hollywood Hills home by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Days after Katherine's passing, The Blast shared that new details about her life had emerged. It was revealed that Katherine had filed a petition to drop her father's last name in 2012, citing the need to be protected from his fame.

"I am concerned about potential harassment from future patients resulting from my association with my father," Katherine explained, noting that as a psychiatric social worker, she did not want her job to be negatively influenced by Martin's popularity.

A judge granted her request in early 2013, officially changing Martin's daughter's name from "Katherine Elizabeth Short" to "Katherine Elizabeth Hartley." She was rarely seen at public events with her father, and secretly struggled with her mental health for years.

Can Martin Short's rumored girlfriend help him overcome his grief?