BREAKING: Actress, comedienne and fashion personality Joan Rivers passed away today at age 81, according to a statement released by her daughter this morning. The statement, published four hours ago on Joan Rivers’ site says:
“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. 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.”
The Fashion Police personality had been hospitalized for over a week after suffering complications during a routine endoscopic exam on her vocal cords. Rivers was rushed to the hospital on August 28, where she was listed in critical condition and put into a medically-induced coma. On September 3, doctors at Mount Sinai moved Rivers out of the ICU and into a private room, spurring rumors that life support would no longer be administered. According to the New York State Health department, the Yorkville clinic where Joan received the endoscopy is now under investigation, but malpractice is not expected.
Rivers’ ability to bring a light-hearted spin to an industry that can (at times) be a bit too serious made her one of the most loved fashion personalities of this generation. And according to Rivers’ daughter, that’s just the way she’d like to be remembered: “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.”
Our deepest condolences to the Rivers family.
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