The translation of the text «Любовь и утрата Мартина Шорта: история с Нэнси Долман» into English is «The Love and Loss of Martin Short: The Story of Nancy Dolman»
25 february 2026 в 18:13
For decades, Martin Short has delighted audiences with his witty humor and unforgettable characters. However, behind the image of the comedic icon lies a deeply personal love story with his late wife, Canadian actress Nancy Dolman.
The couple met in 1972 during rehearsals for the musical «Godspell» in Toronto, married in 1980, and spent nearly 30 years building a life and family together until Nancy passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010.
Here’s what you need to know about Nancy and her marriage to Martin.
After nearly 30 years together, Martin lost Nancy in 2010 after her battle with ovarian cancer. She was 59 years old. Her death was a heavy blow to the actor, who has openly spoken about the profound impact this loss had on him and their family.
Since then, Martin has reflected on how grief has changed his outlook on life. «With real tragedy, you become a little braver», - he said in a 2019 interview with AARP. «It's yin and yang: the positive side of the dark side of life».
Unfortunately, the Short family experienced another tragic loss in February 2026 when their eldest daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, passed away at the age of 42. The Short family stated that they were «devastated» by this loss and requested privacy during their time of mourning. Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker who dedicated her life to helping others and promoting mental health awareness.
After the death of his mother in 2010, Martin has spoken candidly over the years about how his children coped with the deep loss. «It was a tough two years for my kids», - he said in a 2012 interview with The Guardian.
«It's something we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does, you gain a little and you suffer a little. No big surprises».
Years after Nancy’s death in 2010, Martin shared that he still feels a deep connection to his late wife. Reflecting on their long relationship, he told AARP, «Our marriage was a triumph. It’s hard. She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her constantly. It’s 'Hi, Nan,' you know? How would she react to this decision or that, especially regarding our three children?»
He added, «I believe that when people die, they come closer to those who love them. The idea that everything ends and you shouldn’t talk about them is wrong… for me, she’s still here»
The couple met in 1972 during rehearsals for the musical «Godspell» in Toronto, married in 1980, and spent nearly 30 years building a life and family together until Nancy passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010.
Here’s what you need to know about Nancy and her marriage to Martin.
After nearly 30 years together, Martin lost Nancy in 2010 after her battle with ovarian cancer. She was 59 years old. Her death was a heavy blow to the actor, who has openly spoken about the profound impact this loss had on him and their family.
Since then, Martin has reflected on how grief has changed his outlook on life. «With real tragedy, you become a little braver», - he said in a 2019 interview with AARP. «It's yin and yang: the positive side of the dark side of life».
Unfortunately, the Short family experienced another tragic loss in February 2026 when their eldest daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, passed away at the age of 42. The Short family stated that they were «devastated» by this loss and requested privacy during their time of mourning. Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker who dedicated her life to helping others and promoting mental health awareness.
After the death of his mother in 2010, Martin has spoken candidly over the years about how his children coped with the deep loss. «It was a tough two years for my kids», - he said in a 2012 interview with The Guardian.
«It's something we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does, you gain a little and you suffer a little. No big surprises».
Years after Nancy’s death in 2010, Martin shared that he still feels a deep connection to his late wife. Reflecting on their long relationship, he told AARP, «Our marriage was a triumph. It’s hard. She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her constantly. It’s 'Hi, Nan,' you know? How would she react to this decision or that, especially regarding our three children?»
He added, «I believe that when people die, they come closer to those who love them. The idea that everything ends and you shouldn’t talk about them is wrong… for me, she’s still here»
© Smirnova Olga
