Joan Rivers Dead at 81

"It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers," Melissa Rivers said in a written statement today. "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."

Rivers known for her open book personality and brash sense of humor died after complications from surgery. Rivers underwent surgery August 28th and suffered a cardiac arrest. On September 2nd her daughter Melissa annoucned that she had been placed on life support.

"My mother has been moved out of intensive care and into a private room where she is being kept comfortable," she added in a statement the following day. "Thank you for your continued support."

Rivers made her showbiz debut alongside Barbara Streisand . In 1965 she appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson.

In 1983 she became a permanent guest on "The Tonight Show". In 1986 she starred in her own show "The Late Show" which caused a strain on her relationship with Carson. The show only lasted one year.

In 2010, she became the star of E! network's fashion police, where she critiqued the red carpet celebrities with her famous one-liners. Rivers leaves behind her only child Melissa and her grandson Cooper.