Comedienne Joan Rivers Dies at 81

Legendary comedienne Joan Rivers, 81, died at the Mount Sinai Hospital in  New York on Thursday.

Daughter Melissa Rivers said that her mother died peacefully at 1:17 p.m. surrounded by family and dear friends, reports CNN.

"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," Rivers said. "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," she said in a statement.

The funeral will be conducted at the Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan on Sunday, said temple spokeswoman Elizabeth Fezrine, reports CNN.

Rivers had undergone a procedure on her vocal cords last Thursday at Yorkville Endoscopy. She stopped breathing during the surgery and was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City where she was on life support till her death.

The New York State Department of Health is now conducting an investigation on the Yorkville Endoscopy clinic where Rivers underwent the procedure on her vocal cords.

The NYC Medical Examiner's office also said that it will investigate the cause and manner of Rivers' death.  

Meanwhile, tributes are pouring in for the legendary comedienne from her friends and colleagues.

Whoopi Goldberg posted in Twitter: "My friend Joan Rivers has passed away once again to quote Billy Crystal. There are no words. Bon Voyage Joan," reports mirror.co.uk.

Rivers' close friend Kathy Griffin tweeted: "A legend, a friend, a mentor, an icon, and wildly funny. One of a kind. RIP Joan Rivers."