Comic Legend Joan Rivers Passes Away At 81

The world today is mourning the death of a giant. Joan Rivers died Thursday afternoon at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

The legendary comedienne had been in the hospital after she stopped breathing while undergoing a procedure on her vocal chords seven days ago.

She was taken off life support on Sunday and was placed in a private room where her family hoped and prayed for the best. It was not to be. Joan never recovered.

Joan left behind her daughter, Melissa, and her grandson, Cooper.

Melissa just released this statement confirming her mother's death: “It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. surrounded by family and close friends. 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.”

Meantime, the New York State Health Department is investigating why Joan Rivers went into cardiac arrest during what should have been a routine procedure.

Joan's many celebrity friends are reacting on Twitter.

INSIDE EDITION’s Deborah Norville wrote, “For nearly 25 years I had the gift of her friendship and her laughter. My heart goes out to Melissa who has been the most amazing daughter a mother could wish for. And I am grateful I got to visit Joan several times these last few days to hold her hand and say goodbye. I will cherish our friendship and memories always. Lord knows, heaven just got a lot more interesting.”

Donald Trump came to know Joan when she competed on and won, Celebrity Apprentice. He said, “Joan Rivers was an amazing woman and a great friend. He tweeted. Her energy and talent were boundless. She will be greatly missed.”

Suzanne Somers spoke for all Joan Rivers fans when she tweeted: “Oh Joan! I have a heartache. You were an original. What a loss. Thank you for all the laughs. Keep them laughing up there!”