The world of comedy lost another star this year. Joan Rivers, one of the pioneers of stand-up comedy has passed away on September 4 due to throat surgery complications. Even in death, Joan Rivers had her way: she received a send-off befitting a superstar. On Sunday morning, a legion of celebrities, family members and friends accompanied Joan Rivers, 81, on her last journey. Some of the notable people present include Kathy Griffin, whose career was made possible by Rivers, Whoopie Goldberg, Bernadette Peters, and Sara Jessica Parker.
Rivers, who has pretty much paved the way for all female comics, shared details about how she wanted her funeral to be in a 2012 book: “I Hate Everyone … Starting with Me”. It seems that she hoped for “a huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action” and instead of a rabbi babbling, she wanted a “Meryl Streep crying in five different accents.” Let’s not forget the “Wind machine so that even in the casket my hair is blowing just like Beyonce’s.”
She may not have gotten all she wished for, but Howard Stern was the one to deliver the eulogy. Also, Audra McDonald sang “Smile” and bagpipers played “New York, New York”. Touching tributes were delivered by TV anchor Deborah Norville, Margie Stern, her daughter Melissa, and Cindy Adams. Barricades had to be installed for several blocks of Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue because crowds of fans and media gathered to offer their condolences to the superstar.
Although the cause of death is still unknown, it is being investigated by specialists. Rivers was hospitalized approximately 2 weeks ago, on August 28 because she went into cardiac arrest during a routine procedure. New York Medical examiner says that lab tests were inconclusive.
“It’s the grand finale, act three, the elev O’clock number – make it count. If you’re going to die, die interesting. Is there anything worse than a boring death? I think not.” – Rivers wrote in her book
Notables that attended the service: Clive Davis, Carolina Herrera, Dennis Basso, Michael Kors, Geraldo Rivera, Diane Sawyer, Barry Diller, Donald Trump, Steve Forbes, Kathie Lee Gifford and many others.
Joan Rivers was loved by many, and the service was beautiful and uplifting. Basso declared that they were celebrating her life. The family will have a hard time getting over the loss of the raspy-voiced blonde comedian that touched so many hearts with her humor. She was a TV talk-show host, a film and TV actress, and a fashion critic. She successfully brought together the world of movies, TV and fashion.
Her publicist said that in liew of flowers, donations can be made to We Deliver, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Our House or God’s love.
