Comedy legend Joan Rivers dies at 81

According to Rolling Stone, legendary comedian Joan Rivers died Thursday, following complications from a surgery. The comedian, fashion critic, TV host and actress was 81 at the time of her passing.

Her daughter, Melissa Rivers, 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 by 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.”

As TMZ earlier reported, Rivers was rushed to the hospital from a clinic where she was having surgery on her vocal chords. Rivers had reportedly stopped breathing during the operation. On Saturday, USA Today then reported that Rivers was in a medically induced coma. On Tuesday, Rivers’ daughter revealed that she had been put on life support.

Prior to her passing, Rivers had co-hosted the popular E! series Fashion Police. She also stared in a WE reality series with her daughter Melissa titled Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?.

She was a legendary standup comedian and host, known for her famous red carpet interviews.

Rivers got her start as a guest on The Tonight Show in 1965. She was given her own talk show, The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers, in 1986 (which led to her being banned from The Tonight Show). She would eventually win a Daytime Emmy in 1990 for Outstanding Talk Show for The Joan Rivers Show.

Below, you can watch a recent interview with Rivers on The Tonight Show. This was her first return to the show after being banned.