Legendary comedian and talk show host Joan Rivers has passed away at the age of 81.
Her daughter Melissa Rivers said in a statement:
It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed peacefully at 1:17pm surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother.
Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received from around the world. They have been heard and appreciated.
My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon.
Rivers was undergoing vocal cord surgery on August 28 when she stopped breathing and had to be transported to New York City’s Mount Sinai hospital.
Melissa took her mom off of life support so she could pass comfortably in a private room.
According to NBC News, she told The Times of London four years ago that she “would not want to live if I could not perform. It’s in my will. I am not to be revived unless I can do an hour of stand-up. I don’t fear it.”
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
