Iconic comedian Joan Rivers has died at the age of 81.
She went into cardiac arrest on Aug. 28 after a minor throat procedure and had been on life support at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital.
"It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. surrounded by family and close friends," Melissa Rivers said in a statement. "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."
A native of New York, Rivers originally entered show business with the dream of a theatrical career, but comedy became a way to pay the bills while she auditioned for acting roles.
"Somebody said, 'You can make six dollars standing up in a club,'" she told The Associated Press in 2013, "and I said, 'Here I go!' It was better than typing all day."
After proving herself in comedy clubs as a rarity — a woman comedian — Rivers was a smash on her first booking on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1965. "God, you're funny," Carson told her.
In 2009, Rivers emerged as the winner of NBC's "The Celebrity Apprentice." A documentary, "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work," premiered in theaters in 2010.
The entertainer logged a half-century in show business and gave rise to red carpet commentary — and the snarky criticism that often accompanies it. Her signature red carpet query "Who are you wearing?" became commonplace.
Rivers most recently worked as a host of "Fashion Police" on E! network co-starred with her daughter, Melissa, on the WEtv reality show, "Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?"
"Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support,
and prayers we have received from around the world," Melissa Rivers stated. "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."
AI
