Joan Rivers Dead -- Legendary Comedian Passes Away at 81

News By TooFab Staff |

Joan Rivers, TV's favorite fashion critic and one of the sharpest tongues in the business, passed away. She was 81.

Rivers was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital in New York City last Thursday, after she stopped breathing during vocal chord surgery.

Joan made a career for herself in Hollywood as a comedic writer and actress -- she got her start writing for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," and went on to host her own show in 1993, "The Joan Rivers Show."

Most recently, the comedienne had two starring spots -- she was the host of E!'s "Fashion Police" and had her own web series, "In Bed with Joan," both of which she filmed new episodes of last week.

Joan's daughter, Melissa Rivers released the following statement about her mother's tragic passing below:

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.

See some of Joan's Emmy & VMA special below:

Rivers will greatly be missed. See some of Hollywood's reactions below.