Joan Rivers' funeral wasn't glitzy and glamourous like she outlined in her 2012 book, "I Hate Everyone ... Starting With Me," but it was a star-studded event. About 500 fans and spectators lined the streets outside Temple Emanu-El on the Upper East Side on Sunday, Sept. 7 to pay their respects as celebrities such as Howard Stern, Donald Trump and Whoopi Goldberg quietly made their way inside.
Many people who worked with Rivers throughout her career showed up to the private service. Kristen Chenoweth, Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb, Barbara Walters, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rosie O'Donnell, and Andy Cohen were also among the mourners. Rivers' "Fashion Police" cohosts Giuliana Rancic and Kelly Osbourne were also spotted at the Temple.
'Irreverent to say the least," Access Hollywood's Billy Bush tweeted following the service. "Best funeral ever. Really. Joan Rivers would have loved it."
According to reports, the funeral was restricted to family and close friends of the comedienne. Stern delivered a touching eulogy and the New York City Gay Men's Chorus performed, USA Today reports. Rivers' daughter Melissa Rivers, and close friends Hugh Jackman and Cindy Adams spoke at the service.
As guest left the Temple bagpipers played several songs including "New York, New York." Rivers died on Thursday, Sept. 4 at the age of 81 at Mount Sinai Hospital. The comic had been in the hospital for a week after she stopped breathing during a throat procedure at Yorkville Endoscopy Center on Aug. 28.
"It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers," Melissa said in a statement. "She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. 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."
