Joan Rivers’ family is facing the agonising decision of whether to turn off her life support.
The 81-year-old comedienne is reportedly being kept alive by respiratory machines after she went into cardiac arrest during minor surgery in New York on Thursday. She was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was put into a medically induced coma.
Unless her condition improves, her family will have to decide in the next few days whether to turn off the machines, according to US website TMZ.com. The star’s daughter Melissa, 46, issued a statement thanking friends and fans for their support.
She said: “My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world. Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible.
“We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery.”
Tributes from celebrities
A crowd of fans kept vigil outside the hospital, and celebrity friends posted messages of support on Twitter on Sunday. Kelly Osbourne, who co-hosts US TV series Fashion Police with Rivers, said she was “inconsolable” and urged her 3.8 million Twitter followers to pray for her friend’s recovery. She wrote: “4 the first time in years I got down on my knees and prayed tonight!
“I encourage U 2 do the same 4 Joan Rivers, my grandma [sic].”
Actor Charlie Sheen posted: “Please come back to us young lady. Your inimitable genius and compassion keeps a world you set in motion, a lot better every day.”
Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson said: “Sending all my love and prayers to my friend Joan Rivers right now”
Property tycoon Donald Trump, who called Rivers his “dear friend” and described her as “wonderful and very talented”, wrote: “Get well soon Joan — keep fighting!”
Vocal cords surgery
Rivers was having minor surgery on her vocal cords at a clinic in New York when she stopped breathing.
It is not known how long she was starved of oxygen before she reached hospital.
Sources close to the family told US media that Rivers would not want to live unless she could enjoy “a full and active life” and not be a burden on anyone. Emmy Award-winning Rivers built her comedy career on her acid-tongued observations, sparing no one — including herself.
Unlike many celebrities, she has never attempted to hide her extensive cosmetic surgery, which has included several nose jobs, facelifts and Botox injections.
Although she made her name as a comedienne, she has found fame later in life as a presenter on the red carpet, attending awards ceremonies and commenting on celebrities’ fashion choices.
She has also had a reality show with her daughter Melissa and has written a dozen books.
