Rob Rausch has a lot to celebrate this February. Just one day after pulling off the ultimate deception to win Season 4 of Peacock’s The Traitors, the 27-year-old reality star has confirmed that his heart is officially taken. During the highly anticipated The Traitors reunion, which aired Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, the professional snake wrangler revealed that he has been in a committed relationship for two months.

The news comes as a blow to “shippers” who were hoping for a real-life romance between Rob and his Love Island alum and The Traitors co-star, Maura Higgins. Throughout the season, the pair’s “flirty faithfulness” was a central storyline, culminating in a shocking finale where Rob betrayed Maura’s blind trust to claim the entire $220,800 prize pot for himself. When host Andy Cohen asked during the reunion if there was any chance for a romantic spark between the two now that the game is over, Rob was quick to shut it down, confirming his status with a new, private partner.

While Rob is keeping his girlfriend’s identity under wraps for now, eagle-eyed fans have already begun the investigation. DeuxMoi recently shared a grainy photo of the reality star out and about in Kansas City with a mystery woman, sparking rumors that his new flame may be a non-celebrity from the Midwest.

In a new profile for The Cut published alongside his win, Rob gave a rare glimpse into how he’s spending his time away from the cameras. The feature noted that the Alabama native is “currently working on a woodworking project for his girlfriend,” though he declined to share her name or how they met. This “private but not secret” approach is a departure from his highly publicized flings on Love Island USA Seasons 5 and 6, where his “villain era” and breakup with Leah Kateb became viral sensations.

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Maura Higgins, who was left “gobsmacked” and jokingly called Rob a “snake” after his Traitor reveal, seems to be taking the relationship news in stride. During the reunion, she teased Rob about his “good lying skills,” telling him, “You’re never going to have a girlfriend after this.” Rob countered with a laugh, noting that his current partner actually finds his strategic mind “impressive” rather than terrifying.

As for that $220,800 prize? Rob says he plans to be responsible with his winnings—but not before making things right with Maura. He confirmed during the reunion that he is officially buying her a Hermès Birkin bag as a “betrayal apology.” With a record-breaking reality TV win under his belt and a new mystery woman by his side, Rob Rausch is proving that 2026 is his most successful year yet.

On Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, the entertainment community was struck by the devastating news of the passing of Katherine Elizabeth Short, the eldest daughter of comedy legend Martin Short. Katherine was discovered in her Hollywood Hills home following a welfare check initiated by a concerned friend who reported that the 42-year-old had not been heard from in over 24 hours. Upon arriving at the residence shortly after 6:00 p.m., Los Angeles law enforcement officers were forced to make entry into the home, where they found Katherine behind a locked bedroom door.

Law enforcement sources have since confirmed that Katherine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Homicide detectives who responded to the scene recovered a firearm along with a note left by the clinical social worker. After a thorough investigation of the scene and the 911 audio obtained from the initial call, authorities have officially ruled out foul play. The loss marks a heartbreaking chapter for the Short family, who have navigated significant private trials despite Martin’s long-standing status as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and energetic performers.

In a statement released to the media, a representative for the family expressed their profound grief, describing Katherine as a “beloved soul” who was remembered for the “light and joy she brought into the world.” Katherine was the eldest of three children adopted by Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010. Unlike her father, Katherine chose a life away from the cameras, earning a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California and dedicating her professional life to mental health advocacy and dual-diagnosis treatment at various prestigious Los Angeles clinics.

Her professional peers have been vocal about the “cruel irony” of her passing, noting that Katherine spent her career as a staunch advocate for Bring Change to Mind, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental illness. Colleagues remember her as a deeply compassionate woman who used her father’s signature wit to put her patients at ease while maintaining a fierce commitment to the vulnerable populations she served. As of late February 2026, Martin Short has postponed several of his upcoming tour dates with longtime collaborator Steve Martin to remain in Los Angeles and grieve privately with his sons, Oliver and Henry.

The tragedy has reignited a national conversation about the silent struggles often faced by those in the “helping professions.” While the contents of the note found at the scene remain private, the family continues to ask for space as they process the “unimaginable heartbreak” of losing a daughter who spent her life fighting for the mental well-being of others. This latest loss for the 75-year-old actor, who has often spoken about the “resilience muscle” he built after the early deaths of his parents and brother, has led to an outpouring of support from his Only Murders in the Building co-stars and the broader Broadway and film communities.