Joan Rivers dies aged 81

Comedian and TV host Joan Rivers has died.

Rivers, 81, had been on life support in Mount Sinai Hospital following a cardiac arrest in New York last week.

In a statement, her daughter Melissa said she died surrounded by family and friends.

She thanked hospital staff for their ‘amazing care’.

She 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.’

Melissa continued: ‘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.’