Tributes have been pouring in for comedian Joan Rivers following her death yesterday, aged 81.
Rivers suffered a cardiac arrest in New York's Mount Sinai hospital having been on life support for a week.
The star's daughter Melissa released a statement saying, "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."
"I've just been told the sad news that Joan Rivers has passed away. Just a week ago I was in her company and was so blown away by her infectious wit and charm and care to make me feel so comfortable and welcome. My love and prayers are with Joan, her daughter Melissa and all her family and close friends. RIP. 😥❤️"
When I was ten I went to see a taping of Hollywood Squares and Joan Rivers was the center square. She was always riotously funny. And cool.
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) September 5, 2014.@Variety Joan Rivers wrote The Girls Most Likely To starring Stockard Channing and Ed Asner. It blew my mind as a kid. So dark and so funny
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) September 5, 2014Joan Rivers it was an honour to share the same Laughter with you! Thank you for being you and making people smile pic.twitter.com/MS8thSLJqr
— JEDWARD (@planetjedward) September 5, 2014A legend who broke barriers 4 women in show business...@Joan_Rivers will b missed. Much Love & Respect #RIPJoanRivers pic.twitter.com/Og3LQpAbJv
— Fergie (@Fergie) September 5, 2014Keep 'em busy laughing up there. RIP @joan_rivers
— Josh Duhamel (@joshduhamel) September 4, 2014A legend. And a fighter. And funny til the end. So honored to have known you. We'll miss you. #JoanRivers pic.twitter.com/wpoXAbq0vS
— Rashida Jones (@iamrashidajones) September 4, 2014Rest in peace, Joan Rivers. You were a pioneer for so many women! #RIPJoan #GirlPower
— Melanie Brown (@OfficialMelB) September 4, 2014
May you rest in peace Joan Rivers. Your uniqueness and your gift of laughter will permeate the heavens. You will never be forgotten.
— Goldie Hawn (@goldiehawn) September 4, 2014We lost one of the true originals today. Joan Rivers. A force. You will be missed. Love Hugh & Deb. @Deborra_lee
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) September 4, 2014RIP Joan Rivers one of my favourite comediennes
— Dannii Minogue (@DanniiMinogue) September 4, 2014So sad to hear about Joan Rivers passing away. Met her once, she was so very generous and lovely. Rest in peace you clever lady x
— Gok Wan (@therealgokwan) September 4, 2014RIP Joan Rivers. I hope you get the send off you wished for ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/w3q3GawUH5
— Angela Scanlon (@angelascanlon) September 4, 2014I'm so heartbroken about @Joan_Rivers. One of the funniest and kindest people I have ever known. She will be missed.
— Betsy Brandt (@betsy_brandt) September 4, 2014Rip Joan Rivers. pic.twitter.com/SnUWzX5vFS
— Jennifer Maguire (@JenniferMaguire) September 4, 2014Rest In Peace to the amazing Joan Rivers. very very sad news pic.twitter.com/pU1KcbPnFP
— Kendall Jenner (@KendallJenner) September 4, 2014"rip Joan Rivers :'( the MOST fabulous and hilarious. Frankie and I saw her live and met her multiple times together, we loved her so so much. Heartbreaking. Rest in peace Joan, u will be so missed!!"
"I can not believe this queen is gone. I am praying for Melissa and Cooper."
"Today Hollywood lost one of its brightest stars. She was a brilliant woman who was hilarious and unapologetically honest. She will be missed."
"we will miss you so...."
