Conan O’Brien, host of the 2026 Academy Awards, closed the star-studded ceremony on Sunday with a tribute to comedian Martin Short.
Conan closed this year’s Oscars from the Dolby Theater by saying, “It was an honor and a joy – we love you, Marty Short – good night.”
The tribute came just days after the tragic death of Martin’s daughter, Catherine Hartley Short.
For those unfamiliar, the comedian’s daughter was found dead in a home in the Hollywood Hills on February 23. She was 42 years old.
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” the Short family said in a statement People magazine from that time.
“The Short family is devastated by this loss and requests privacy at this time. Katherine was loved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world,” she added.
After the heartbreaking death, a neighbor said We weekly that Katherine showed no signs of struggling with mental health issues before committing suicide.
“Katherine was a private person, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t friendly. She was very outgoing,” a neighbor told the outlet.
“She always said ‘hello,’” the resident added. “She was a voracious reader and could talk deeply about the books she had read.”
