Earlier today, Joan Rivers passed away as a result of complications from a recent surgical procedure. She was 81.
Though Rivers spent much of her career knocking down Hollywood’s most egotistical celebs, the outpouring of emotion on social media today makes it clear that Joan was one of the most beloved women in the entertainment world.
In recent years, Joan made headlines as a result of her feud with Kim Kardashian, and her controversial comments about a number of world events, but it’s her wit, her impeccable comic timing, and the fearless fashion in which she broke into the male-dominated world of standup comedy in the 1960s that will be best remembered.
As celebrities expressed their love for Joan on Twitter, Melissa Rivers issued a statement that served as a reminder that her mother’s greatest joy came from putting a smile on someone else’s face:
“My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh,” Melissa wrote. “Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon.”
Easier said than done. The world’s a far less funny place today. Rest in peace, Joan.