Katherine Short changed her last name to distance herself from her famous father, Martin Short, and focus on her work as a social worker.
Following the news of her shocking death on February 23 at the age of 42, Page Six obtained documents showing that she applied to change her name from “Katherine Elizabeth Short” to “Katherine Elizabeth Hartley” in 2012.
“My father is a public figure. I’m a psychiatric social worker,” Katherine explained in documents first obtained by TMZ. “I’m worried that patients may harass me in the future because of my association with my father.”
The motion was finally granted in early 2013.
As previously reported, Katherine has lived a life far out of the spotlight, having had an extensive career in social work, including opening a private practice.
Although she dedicated her life to helping people suffering from mental health issues, she admitted that she suffers as well.
On Kathryn’s professional website, which has since been deleted, she shared a photo and bio of her service dog, Joni, who “has helped me battle my own mental illness for the past five years.”
But in recent years, Duchess Kate showed no “signs” that she was suffering until she took her own life earlier this week.
“Katherine was a private person, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t friendly. She was very outgoing,” a neighbor told Us Weekly Wednesday, adding that she would sometimes “hear or see Kathryn laughing with friends” on her front porch.
The neighbor added that Katherine “always said ‘hello'” and was clearly proud of her home in Hollywood Hills, California.
Catherine passed away on February 23rd. He passed away at the age of 42.
On Tuesday, an LAFD representative confirmed to Page Six that they responded to a call to Katherine’s address at 6:41 p.m. local time.
A representative for the “Murder in the Building” star later confirmed her death in a statement.
“The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was loved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought to the world,” the message said.
Katherine was the adopted daughter of the 75-year-old comedian and his late wife Nancy Dolman, who died of cancer in 2010. The couple also have adopted children Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.
Kate’s last public appearance was in October 2023, when she celebrated her 40th birthday at Grand Master Recorders restaurant in Hollywood.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
