When Steve Martin posted a photo of a sad dog wearing Mickey Mouse ears on Instagram last Thursday, fans knew something was off. The 80-year-old comedy legend, best known for his razor-sharp wit on Saturday Night Live and as the bumbling father in the Father of the Bride films, had just canceled two shows in Virginia — and it wasn’t because of a scheduling conflict. He’d tested positive for COVID-19.
The cancellations, announced September 19, 2025, affected performances at The Dome in Virginia Beach and Allianz Amphitheater in Richmond. "Sadly, I have come down with Covid," Martin wrote. "I can't possibly do the shows that you deserve. So Marty and I must cancel tonight & tomorrow. But we will return under better circumstances." The post was followed hours later by a candid image of a joint flu and COVID-19 test — the flu line blank, the COVID line unmistakably dark. "Hey! No flu!" he quipped. It was classic Steve: self-deprecating, precise, and oddly comforting.
The Dukes of Funnytown on Hold
Steve Martin and Martin Short — affectionately dubbed "The Dukes of Funnytown" by fans — have been touring together since 2021, blending stand-up, banjo solos, and their chemistry from Only Murders in the Building. Their current tour, featuring The Steep Canyon Rangers and pianist Jeff Babko, had already been a hit, drawing sold-out crowds from coast to coast. But this isn’t the first time illness has interrupted their run.
Earlier this year, Martin Short contracted COVID-19, forcing the postponement of a January 11, 2025, show at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida. That show — now rescheduled for October 4, 2025 — becomes the duo’s next stop. A second Florida date follows on October 5 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. "It’s like we’re playing musical chairs with our own health," joked one fan in the comments. "First Marty gets sick, now Steve. When’s the next one?"
Behind the Scenes: A Legacy in Motion
What makes this cancellation more than just a logistical hiccup is the context. Martin, who turned 80 this year, remains astonishingly active. In May, he released Steve Martin Writes the Written Word: Collected Written Word Works by Steve Martin — a 400-page anthology of essays, poems, and absurdist sketches that critics called "a love letter to language." In October, he dropped Safe, Sensible and Sane, a bluegrass album featuring Jackson Browne, Vince Gill, and Indigo Girls. And just days before the diagnosis, he and Short attended the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, where Only Murders in the Building earned seven nominations — part of its staggering 56 total nominations since 2021.
Even more remarkable: on October 28, 2025, Hulu announced the show’s sixth season — and for the first time, the trio (Martin, Short, and Selena Gomez) will leave New York. "They’re going to London," Martin confirmed in a quiet interview with The New York Times. "The British are more polite about murder. It’s the perfect setting."
What Fans Are Saying — And What It Means
The outpouring on Martin’s Instagram was immediate. "I’ve wanted to see you in person for over 40 years," wrote one fan from Ohio. Another, a nurse from Norfolk, Virginia, posted: "I saw you in 1981 at the Civic Center. You made me laugh so hard I cried. Now I’m crying because you’re sick. Please rest."
It’s not just nostalgia. Martin’s appeal spans generations. His 2021 tour sold out within minutes. His new album charted on Billboard’s Bluegrass and Comedy charts simultaneously. And his writing — sharp, poetic, quietly profound — has found new audiences on TikTok, where clips of him reading his own poems get millions of views.
"He’s not just a comedian," says Dr. Lila Chen, a cultural historian at the University of Virginia. "He’s one of the few artists who made intellectual humor accessible without dumbing it down. When he cancels a show because he’s sick, it’s not just a cancellation — it’s a reminder that even legends are human."
What’s Next? The Tour Goes On
Refunds are automatic for Ticketmaster buyers. Those who purchased through StubHub, SeatGeek, or Vivid Seats are being advised to contact their vendors directly. The Virginia dates have not yet been rescheduled, but organizers say they’re "working on a solution." Meanwhile, the tour continues: Las Vegas on October 18, Boston on November 2, Pittsburgh on November 15, Austin on December 3, and finally Cleveland on April 12, 2026 — the tour’s grand finale.
And if Martin’s track record holds? He’ll be back in Virginia — probably with a new joke about germs, a banjo solo, and maybe even a surprise appearance by a dog wearing Mickey Mouse ears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Virginia shows be rescheduled?
Organizers have not yet announced new dates for the canceled Virginia Beach and Richmond shows, but Steve Martin’s team has confirmed they intend to return "under better circumstances." Ticketmaster has not issued any rescheduling notices, and fans are advised to monitor the official Steve Martin website for updates. Past cancellations by the duo have typically been rescheduled within 6–9 months.
Is Steve Martin still performing on TV while recovering?
Yes. Filming for Season 6 of Only Murders in the Building is set to begin in early 2026 in London, and Martin has confirmed he’s already reviewing scripts remotely. The fifth season continues airing weekly on Hulu, with new episodes released every Wednesday through November 2025. His recovery timeline appears to be on track, with no indication he’ll miss upcoming filming.
Why did Martin Short’s previous COVID-19 case delay the Florida show?
Martin Short contracted COVID-19 in January 2025, forcing the postponement of the original January 11, 2025, Florida date. The tour’s production team established a policy: if either lead performer tests positive, shows within a 10-day window are postponed to allow full recovery and prevent spread. The October 4, 2025, date was chosen as the earliest feasible window after both artists were cleared medically.
How does this affect the upcoming London season of Only Murders in the Building?
The London season of Only Murders in the Building is still on schedule for a 2026 premiere, with pre-production already underway. Martin’s diagnosis has not impacted filming plans, as production begins months after the tour ends. The show’s producers have stated they’re confident in the trio’s ability to travel internationally once fully recovered, especially given their prior experience with international filming during Season 3.
Are there any other tour dates at risk?
As of now, no other tour dates are officially canceled. The next show is October 4 in Florida, and both Martin and Short have publicly stated they’re following CDC guidelines and testing regularly. The tour’s medical team is traveling with rapid antigen tests and has protocols in place for any future exposures. Still, with the ongoing presence of new variants, fans are being advised to check their local venue’s policies before attending.
What’s the significance of the dog photo Martin posted?
It’s a signature Steve Martin move — using absurdity to soften bad news. The dog in Mickey Mouse ears is a callback to his 1978 album Comedy Is Not Pretty!, which featured a similar image. Fans immediately recognized it as a humorous, self-aware way to say, "I’m sick, but I’m not giving up my weird." The image went viral, with thousands recreating it using their own pets — turning a health scare into a shared moment of levity.
