Stars turned out in droves to pay their respects to Joan Rivers at her funeral in New York today. The service was held at Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan, and it appears that Rivers got her dying wish; a star studded affair to celebrate one final farewell.
Joan Rivers died at the age of 81 last week from complications that arose from an out-patient surgery she was undergoing. CNN reports that Joan Rivers was on life support prior to her death after she was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital. The surgery that Rivers was undergoing prior to being rushed to Mount Sinai was an elective procedure that was performed at the Yorkville Endoscopy clinic just down the road.
USA Today reports that Howard Stern, Donald Trump, Kristin Chenoweth, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb, Geraldo Rivera, Steve Forbes, and Barbara Walters were some of the stars who turned out to pay tribute to the comedienne whose career spanned more than five decades. More than 500 spectators arrived along with numerous media personnel to witness the event.
Kolu Baysah, a friend of Joan Rivers, told USA Today:
“Like her, I don’t believe in political correctness. Say what you have to say. I really didn’t come to say goodbye. She didn’t believe in goodbyes. I came to say hello.”
Rivers Fashion Police co-star Giuliana Rancic showed up to the event bearing gifts and flowers.
She also was quoted as saying:
“Working with her for the last 13 years has been one of the true joys of my life. She could put a smile on your face, instantly, no matter how hard your day was. My heart goes out to Melissa and [grandson] Cooper who have lost something that can never be replaced. Their bond was truly one-of-a-kind. They had the greatest mother and grandmother anyone could ever hope for.”
Melissa Rivers has also released a statement regarding her mother’s death, and the ensuing support that both she and her son have received:
“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.”
While the state health department is investigating the clinic where Rivers had her elective procedure to rule out malpractice, there is no cause for a criminal investigation at this time.
[Image Via Getty]