Joan Rivers Dead at 81: Comic Legend Passes Away After Being Taken Off Life Support
Joan Rivers has passed away at 81 years old.
Her daughter, Melissa Rivers, released the following statement: “It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother. She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. 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.”
It continued: “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.”
The tragic news comes days after the Fashion Police host suffered from complications while undergoing a recent throat operation in New York City on Aug. 28.
Melissa and her son rushed to be by the Hollywood icon’s side upon hearing the news, and love and support from Hollywood’s brightest stars quickly poured in paying tribute and sending well wishes to the legend.
The previous night, Joan was at a Q&A event where she was seen greeting fans before taking the stage to perform several minutes of stand-up.