We feared that this was going to happen and, now, CDL can confirm that Joan Rivers, one of Hollywood’s most enduring humorists, has died at the age of 81. The harsh comedienne and host of The Fashion Police was admitted to a NYC clinic recently for an endoscopic procedure on her throat. From there, things went very wrong, causing Rivers to suffer cardiac arrest. The operating doctor had admitting privileges at Mt. Sinai Hospital nearby and so Rivers was transferred out immediately.
Joan’s daughter, Melissa, and grandson, Cooper, rushed across the country to be at her side and, over the course of the last few days, the family has issued a few statements thanking fans for all of their prayers. It was also confirmed that Rivers had been in a medically induced coma and was on full life support during those last crucial hours. Sources said that the family hoped that when they made the decision to take the 81 year old off of life support that she would fight back and somehow manage to stabilize.
Joan’s daughter, Melissa Rivers, issued a statement:
“It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. 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.”
If any celeb had the kind of grit necessary to hang on under these conditions, it seemed like it might just have been Rivers. We now know that it was instead her time to pass. Ironically, just last Wednesday night, she did a show in NYC and joked about death, pointing out her age and how she could fall over dead at any second. The raw joke drew laughs and those in attendance were stunned when less than 12 hours later they learned that the crass star was indeed incapacitated.
Were you a fan of Joan Rivers live stage act or was her work on Fashion Police more your style? Melissa Rivers has appeared to be glued to her mother’s side for the last two decades; how hard do you think her mother’s death is weighing on her right now? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Image credit to FameFlynet