Legendary comedienne Joan Rivers died at the age of 81 on Thursday, Sept. 4, one week after she was hospitalized for cardiac and respiratory arrest. Rivers was known for her witty jokes, celebrity jabs and sharp tongue.
She was credited for paving the way for other female comediennes and was often referred to as the male counterpart to Don Rickles. Rivers and Rickles' friendship dates back decades ago, and throughout the years the two have had nothing but kind things to say about each other.
River's death has been a sharp blow to Hollywood and in an emailed statement Rickles expressed to HNGN his sorrow over not only losing a fellow comedienne but a close friend.
"Our dear Joan is gone. Knowing her, working with her and enjoying the fun times of life with her was special. She will always be in our hearts. She was a good friend to Barbara [Rickles] and I," Rickles said. "Melissa, be strong and take care of your son Cooper. Joan... we will miss you."
Last year in honor of her 80th birthday, Rickles told The Hollywood Reporter that he always loved being onstage with Rivers.
"Joan is not only a very intelligent lady but extremely masterful at comedy timing," he said. "Sharing the stage with her has always been a joy for me."
According to reports, Rivers was undergoing a minor procedure on her vocal chords at a New York City clinic when she suddenly stopped breathing. The "Fashion Police" cohost was rushed to Mount Sinai where doctors placed her in a medically-induced coma. A few days later, the comedienne was placed on life support.
"It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers," her daughter Melissa Rivers said in a statement on Thursday. "She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank 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," the statement continued. "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."
