Comedian Joan Rivers passed away at 81 years old. Joan had been hospitalized since last week when she suffered complications during throat surgery.
More as the story develops…
UPDATE 3:
Celebrities are sharing their thoughts and condolences on Twitter
Thank you, Joan Rivers.
— Nikki Glaser (@NikkiGlaser) September 4, 2014
RIP, #JoanRivers…. What a spirited force, trailblazer and beacon for all things funny. Such a loss.
— Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) September 4, 2014
So funny and irrepressible. Rest in peace, Joan Rivers.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) September 4, 2014
Joan Rivers. What an extraordinary life. Changed comedy. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for Melissa and Cooper. God bless them all
— Al Roker (@alroker) September 4, 2014
My heart is broken. Joan Rivers RIP. Gone way too soon. All my thoughts & prayers are with Melissa & her family.
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) September 4, 2014
SEE "A PIECE OF WORK" if you haven't and see why this person is a legend LEGEND rest in peace Joan Rivers absolute trailblazer and hero
— Chelsea Peretti (@chelseaperetti) September 4, 2014
RIP the mighty Joan Rivers. Funny & fearless. Truly one of a kind.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) September 4, 2014
we lost a great one in @Joan_Rivers – she was funny all the way to the end
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) September 4, 2014
RIP Joan Rivers. A force of nature.
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) September 4, 2014
Sad for real! RIP Joan Rivers
— opie radio (@OpieRadio) September 4, 2014
@Joan_Rivers rest in funny peace !! You always created a funny space
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) September 4, 2014
UPDATE 2:
Melissa Rivers, Joan’s daughter, released a statement:
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. 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.
UPDATE 1:
Here’s Joan appearing on the very show that brought her national fame, The Tonight Show, this March:
