Joan Rivers Has Died

The legendary comedian Joan Rivers passed away today at the age of 81.

Rivers had been in a medically induced coma since last Thursday when she was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. She had been undergoing surgery on her vocal chords in her doctor's office when she stooped breathing and went into cardiac arrest. Emergency personnel rushed her to the hospital where she was stabilized and at last report was resting comfortably.

TMZ reports that her daughter Melissa Rivers chose to remove her mother from life support so that she could pass peacefully in her private room.

She also released the following 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."