NEWSIconic Comedian Joan Rivers Passes Away at 81
Sep. 4 2014, Published 6:09 p.m. ET
Joan Rivers has passed away following complications during throat surgery, reports AP.
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The 81-year-old comedy icon was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York on August 28 after she stopped breathing during a procedure at an Upper East Side clinic.
After being put in a medically-induced coma, Joan remained on life support until Thursday, September 4. Unfortunately her condition didn't improve and she has been pronounced dead.
Daughter Melissa Rivers kept the world up to date on her mother's condition regularly, thanking fans for their overwhelming love and support.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers,” Melissa Rivers said in a statement. “She passed peacefully at 1:17 PM 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.”
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The Fashion Police host’s passing is a tremendous loss not only for her countless fans, but for the comedy community for which she has provided much inspiration.
Joan's E! family, along with NBC Universal, the network's parent company, released this statement:
“E! and NBCUniversal send our deepest condolences to Melissa, Cooper and her entire extended family on this incredibly sad day. For decades Joan has made people laugh, shattered glass ceilings and revolutionized comedy. She was unapologetic and fiercely dedicated to entertaining all of us and has left an indelible mark on the people that worked with her and on her legions of fans. She’s been a much beloved member of the E! family for over 20 years and the world is less funny without her in it. Today our hearts are heavy knowing Joan will not be bounding through the doors.”
What’s your favorite memory of Joan Rivers? Tell us in the comments or tweet @OKMagazine.
