For the past week, fans everywhere have kept legendary comedian Joan Rivers in their thoughts following news that due to complications from a throat procedure she had been rushed to the hospital, where she was eventually placed on life support. On Thursday afternoon, Rivers died, just days after being taken out of her medically-induced coma. Throughout this undoubtedly difficult time, Rivers' only child Melissa has kept the public informed of her mother's condition and asked that they keep her in their thoughts. Following her death, Melissa released another statement, honoring her mother and thanking everyone who has supported their family.
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.
The statement manages to speak volumes about Joan Rivers in just a few sentences. Not only was she beloved by her family, but by people across the world who were touched in some way by her comedy. I only hope that as Melissa and her son Cooper mourn the loss of a woman who was such an important part of their lives, they can find some comfort in knowing that as someone who will be missed by millions of people, she will never be forgotten.
