Joan Rivers — who made the world laugh for over 50 years with her jokes, put-downs and one-liners — has died in NYC ... a week after her heart suddenly stopped beating during vocal cord surgery.
She was 81.
Joan’s daughter Melissa Rivers took her mom off life support so she could pass comfortably in a private room.
Melissa just issued a statement saying, “It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers.”
“She passed peacefully at 1:17 PM 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.”
Read more: http://www.tmz.com#ixzz3CNLo6U2O
New York Post’s gossip columnist and Rivers’ self-proclaimed ‘forever friend’ Cindy Adams reported Thursday that Joan has been transferred to a larger suite decorated with flowers, plants and bows by celebrity event planner Preston Bailey, who had organized Melissa Rivers’ wedding years earlier.
Adams, who was spotted leaving the Manhattan medical center after visiting her friend earlier this week, also said that Rivers lies covered with a white faux mink blanket from designer Dennis Basso’s collection and has a CD of the musical Oklahoma! playing in the room, according to Hollywood Life.
Adams dished about Joan Rivers’ upgraded hospital stay, which includes a team of makeup artists, hairdressers and manicurists swarming around her to make sure the legendary fashionista looks her best.
According to the columnist, her nails are painted deep purple and white, and her toenails are green.
Hospital staff even allow Rivers’ dogs, a Japanese Chin named Teegan and a Havanese, to be brought into her room so they could give their ‘mommy’ a kiss.
....I have an attorney friend who’s daughter absolutely refused over about 30 days to sign a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). Her father came out of the coma and was back practicing law 60 days later and it’s now about 2 years later. He was 81 also.
I’m not saying the circumstances are the same. I’m just offering a perspective.