Comedic Legend Joan Rivers Passes Away At 81
Comedic legend Joan Rivers passed away Thursday at the age of 81 after reportedly going into cardiac arrest while receiving a simple throat procedure in New York last week.
Rivers' daughter, Melissa, announced her mother's death in a statement to ABC News. "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," Rivers told the media outlet.
The comedienne, who got her start doing standup in the early 1960's, was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital in New York City on August 28 after encountering serious medical complications while undergoing a routine throat procedure at a clinic in Yorkville, outside of Manhattan.
The 81-year-old celebrity was put in a medically-induced coma and later her daughter announced that she had been put on life support but was resting comfortably with family and friends at her side.
Several comedians and celebrities have taken to Twitter to express their sadness for Rivers' passing. The 81-year-old, who hosted "Fashion Police" on the E! Network, was considered to be a pioneer female comic whose unique, satirical stand up style forged her a path in Hollywood.
Louis CK, who has collaborated with Rivers on his show "Louie," released a statement mourning the recent death of the well-known comedienne.
"I feel very lucky that I knew Joan Rivers and I feel very sad that she's gone. She was a great comedian and a wonderful person. I never saw someone attack a stage with so much energy. She was a controlled lightning bolt," Louis CK said via a statement.
"My heart is torn in half. She wasn't done," comedienne Sarah Silverman added on Twitter.
"Too much to say. A constant source of encouragement for me years before anyone else gave a damn. A full and fabulous life. Love you Joan," tweeted Sarah Jessica Parker.
