Tributes are pouring in for American comedian Joan Rivers, who passed away yesterday at the age of 81. The US star suffered a heart attack after undergoing a minor procedure last month.
She died at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
Her daughter says she passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.
In a statement last night, Melissa Rivers said "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."
Ms Rivers was taken to hospital after complications during surgery just over a week ago.
She recently hit the headlines after a video surfaced online in which she said the victims of the Gaza conflict in Palestine "deserve to be dead".
She quickly took to her Facebook page to defend her comments, claiming she stands by what she said but it was "completely taken out of context".
CNN entertainment reporter Alan Duke told Newstalk Breakfast that two investigations have been launched into her death.
Tributes immediately poured in for the comedian, who has been described by many as a fearless woman and a trailblazer.
Joan Rivers will always be a pioneer. She paved the way for a lot of comedians. I’m very sad she’s gone. pic.twitter.com/i1uE9fyHMh
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 4, 2014
Watching Joan Rivers do standup at age 81 was incredible: athletic, jaw-dropping, terrifying, essential. It never stopped. Neither will she.
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) September 4, 2014
we lost a great one in @Joan_Rivers - she was funny all the way to the end
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) September 4, 2014
My friend Joan Rivers has passed away once again to quote Billy Crystal... There are no words. Bon Voyage Joan 😢
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) September 4, 2014
“Here’s a woman, a real pioneer for other women looking for careers in stand-up comedy,” David Letterman said in a statement. “And talk about guts; she would come out here and sit in this chair and say some things that were unbelievable, just where you would have to swallow pretty hard… but it was hilarious… the force of her comedy was overpowering.”
Sarah Silverman commented in a post: "My heart is torn in half. She wasn't done."
RIP Joan Rivers. Being publicly told that my dress is hideous will never feel quite as awesome. You will be truly missed.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) September 4, 2014
I love you with all my heart @Joan_Rivers my life will never be the same with out you! https://t.co/0kn2FFZDF9 pic.twitter.com/zQnXlwepXh
— Kelly Osbourne (@KellyOsbourne) September 4, 2014
And in addition to being a trailblazer the great Joan always smelled good.Thanks for taking my challenge. I still owe you one. RIP x,sj
— Sarah Jessica Parker (@SJP) September 4, 2014
