Joan Rivers, the legendary comedian and fashion critic, passed away on Thursday afternoon more than a week after going into cardiac and respiratory arrest during a routine surgery. She was 81.

Joan Rivers Dies

Rivers' tragic passing was confirmed by her daughter Melissa Rivers, who had rushed to her side following the ill-fated outpatient surgery. “It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers,” wrote Melissa, who was tasked with deciding to take her mother off of life support after doctors had placed her into a medically induced coma last week.

“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,” Melissa continued. “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,” concluded Rivers’ daughter’s statement.

Rivers' Comedy & TV Career

Rivers, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, started performing stand-up in Manhattan comedy clubs in the 1960s, getting her big break in 1965 when she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson for the first time. Just three years later, she landed The Joan Rivers Show and continued making appearances on The Tonight Show and The Ed Sullivan Show after than went off the air.

Later TV endeavors for the comedian included The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers and The Joan Rivers Show daytime talk show in the 80s.

Eventually, Rivers parlayed her comedy talents and interviewing skills into red carpet commentary that zeroed in on the celebrity fashions with acerbic wit. “Who are you wearing?” became the go-to question for both men and women alike for Rivers, who ultimately brought her fashion criticism to E!’s Fashion Police, which has been on the air since 2002. Rivers and her daughter Melissa have also teamed up on a number of reality TV endeavors and fashion specials.

Rivers has released a number of books during the course of her illustraious career, the latest of which was 2014's Diary of a Mad Diva.

Rivers is survived by Melissa and her grandson Cooper. She was predeceased by her husband Edgar Rosenberg in 1987.