Legendary comedienne Joan Rivers remains hospitalized after going into cardiac and respiratory arrest during a routine throat procedure on Thursday, Aug. 27. According to the New York Daily News, Rivers has placed in a medically induced coma as doctors try and figure out the severity of her condition.
TMZ broke the news that the 81-year-old host of E!'s "Fashion Police" was undergoing surgery on her vocal chords when she suddenly stopped breathing. A 911 call was placed from a New York City clinic around 9:40 a.m. Thursday and Rivers was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital.
Around midday, E! News correspondent Ken Baker tweeted that the comedienne was "in stable condition." Hours later, reports emerged that Rivers had been placed in a medically induced coma. According to the Daily News, doctors are not sure how long Rivers went without breathing and are still trying to asses her condition.
Rivers' daughter, Melissa Rivers and her son Cooper, immediately flew from California to New York following the news. After visiting her mother, Melissa thanked everyone for their "overwhelming love and support."
"She is resting comfortably and is with our family," the statement read (via US Weekly). "We ask that you keep her in your thoughts and prayers."
There is no word on how long doctors plan on keeping Rivers in the coma or what the next steps are. The day before Rivers fell ill, she performed at Laurie Beechman Theatre and grabbed a bite to eat at Amaranth Restaurant.
"She seemed absolutely fine," a source told US. "She was cracking jokes all night. She was in really good spirits."
Many celebrities and fans have taken to Twitter to offer their well-wishes and support for Rivers and her family.
"Dear @JoanRivers, Got you flowers. I DO owe you another dinner. Get well my friend," fellow comedienne Kathy Griffin tweeted.
"Good luck and best wishes to my dear friend, the wonderful and very talented Joan Rivers! Winner of Celebrity Apprentice, amazing woman," Donald Trump posted.
"@JoanRivers please come back to us young lady. Your inimitable genius and compassion keeps a world you set in motion, a lot better every day. Love and peace," Charlie Sheen wrote.
"I'm thinking about you, @JoanRivers, and sending lots of love your way," Ellen DeGeneres tweeted.
Update: Melissa Rivers released a second statement Friday afternoon (Aug. 29) saying that her mother's condition remains serious and asked fans to keep praying for a speedy recovery.
"My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world. Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery," Melissa told E! News.
