RIP Joan Rivers, You Were Clearly An Amazing Mom

Joan Rivers has died at 81.

ABC News just posted a message from her daughter, Melissa:

“It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers,” Melissa Rivers said in a written statement today. “She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. 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.”

Melissa Rivers added that she and her son, Cooper, who is Joan Rivers’ grandson, “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.”

Rivers was having throat surgery last week when she suffered cardiac arrest. She was rushed to the hospital – reports said she was unconscious. A few days later Melissa released a statement that her mother was on life support.

Whatever people have to say about Joan’s critical, acerbic sense of humor – she was clearly a great mom. She built an amazing career for herself and after seeing her documentary, A Piece Of Work, it was clear that she was truly one of the hardest working women in show business. She was a trailblazer for female comedians. She stood up to a Hollywood that had no place for women like her — and carved out a place for herself. I have so much respect for that woman.

My respect is only magnified when I see how much her daughter clearly loved her. I don’t know what I will accomplish in my life, but if I go to the grave with my children adoring me — I will feel that I did something right.

You did something right, Joan. You made the world a funnier place. Your fearlessness paved the way for so many women after you. And you did it with your daughter by your side.

Rest in peace, you hilarious woman.

(photo: Getty Images)