Comic legend Joan Rivers dies at 81
September 05, 2014  10:29
Comedienne and TV host Joan Rivers, best known for her lacerating wit, has died, her daughter said.

Rivers, 81, had been on life support in Mount Sinai Hospital since having a cardiac arrest in New York last week. 

In a statement, her daughter Melissa said she died surrounded by family and friends, and she thanked hospital staff for their "amazing care", reported CBS News. 

Rivers stopped breathing during a procedure on her vocal cords 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."

The actress and stand-up comedian is well known for her legendary put-downs and has more recently turned her razor-sharp tongue on the red carpet's worst dressed celebrities, hosting the E! network's 'Fashion Police'.

Both Rivers and Melissa, her only child, have appeared together in reality TV show 'Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?' She didn't just fire her barbs at others, however. She was always prepared to joke about herself, and in particular her plastic surgery. 

Shortly after her death was announced, tributes poured in from the world of entertainment.
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