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Martin Short is speaking out for the first time since his daughter Katherine Short's tragic death.
During a May 10 appearance on CBS News Sunday Morning, the actor, 76, broke his silence on his daughter's passing for the first time since she died by suicide at 42 in February. He noted how mental health struggles can be just as life-threatening as any other disease, linking it back to his late wife Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010.
"It's been a nightmare for the family," he said. "But the understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife, are both diseases and sometimes with diseases, they are terminal. My daughter fought for a long time with extreme mental health," he said. "Borderline personality disorder, other things, and did the best she could until she couldn't."
Katherine, a social worker, was the adopted daughter of Martin and Dolman, who also shared sons Oliver, 40, and Henry, 36, per People. The family released a statement on February 24 confirming Katherine's passing and mourning the "profound" loss.
"It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short," the statement reads. "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."
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there is help. Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7 by dialing "988," visit the website at 988lifeline.org or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting "HOME" to 741741.