Legendary Comedienne Joan Rivers had been on life support in Mount Sinai Hospital since having a cardiac arrest in New York last week.
In a statement released by her daughter Melissa, she said she died surrounded by family and friends, and she thanked hospital staff for their ‘amazing care’
Joan Rivers stopped breathing during a procedure on her vocal chords at an outpatient clinic last Thursday.
“My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh,” said Melissa Rivers.
“Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon.”
Rivers is widely credited for opening doors for a lot of female comediennes. She came into the limelight thanks to her appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson.
She is well known for her popular show ‘Fashion Police’ on the E! network channel, where her and a panel of judges criticise celebrity fashion choices. The show recently announced a two week break with the thought that Rivers would make a full recovery.
Joan’s credits include appearances in “the Muppets take Manhattan,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” “Hollywood Squares,” “Pee Wee’s Playhouse,” “Celebrity Apprentice,” “Saturday Night Live,” and so on.
Rest in peace.