Joan Rivers Dead at 81: Celebs React to the Comic Legend's Passing

Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel and more took to Twitter to share their reactions to the comic legend's passing

By Alyssa Toomey Sep 05, 2014 3:25 PMTags
TwitterJoan RiversSharon OsbourneJimmy KimmelSeth Meyers
Joan RiversBrian Bowen Smith/E!

While we've lost a member of our E! family, the world has lost a comic legend. 

Joan Rivers has passed away at 81 years old. 

Her daughter, Melissa Rivers, released the following statement: "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother. She passed peacefully at 1:17pm 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."

E! News confirmed the tragic news after the legendary comedian suffered from complications while undergoing a recent throat operation in New York City on Aug. 28

Clearly, Joan touched the lives of everyone she encountered both in and outside of Hollywood. Here's what the stars are saying: 

NEWS: Joan Rivers Dead at 81

Twitter

Kelly Osbourne: "I'm completely heartbroken by the loss of my beloved Joan. Not only was she my boss, she was and will always be my teacher, therapist, closest friend, inspiration and the only grandmother I ever knew. She was family and I will never forget her. Laughter will be difficult for a while but when I'm sad, lonely or upset all I will have to do is think of Joan and a smile will cross my face. Laughter is what she gave us and laughter is what she would want us to do in remembrance of her. Melissa and Cooper, my thoughts are with you and I love you both so much. Joan, thank you for taking me in and loving me as a daughter. I will miss you deeply and will always hear your voice in my head saying ‘my darling get out there and be you!'"

David Letterman: "Here's a woman, a real pioneer for other women looking for careers in stand-up comedy," said Letterman. "And talk about guts—she would come out here and sit in this chair and say some things that were unbelievable, just where you would have to swallow pretty hard… but it was hilarious… the force of her comedy was overpowering."

Amy Poehler: "What a full life. Every woman in comedy is indebted to her. She was there at the beginning and funny to the end. RIP Joan"

Carol Burnett: "I knew Joan for 50 years, and she was always fun, charming and sweet to be with, and funny as hell. She was also the poster child for the 'Energizer Bunny!' My love goes out to Melissa and Cooper. I am very sad today."

Nancy Reagan: "Joan Rivers was not only a dear friend, but one of the kindest and funniest people I ever knew.  I doubt there's anyone who hasn't laughed at her or with her until they cried. Today our tears are those of sadness. I know I join millions in saying, "Thanks for the good times Joan, we will truly miss you. My love and deepest sympathy go to Melissa and Cooper." 

Dennis Basso: "Today is an extremely sad day for me and the world...we have lost a spectacular woman who gave the gift of laughter. We had a special relationship for over 30 years and I will miss her dearly." 

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Giuliana Rancic: "A great comedienne, a trailblazer, an original, a legend but most importantly a wonderful mother, grandmother and gentle soul. What an honor to have known you. I love you and miss you already, Joan." 

Judge Judy Sheindlin: "There won't be another one like her in our lifetime. Aside from her tremendous talent, she was gracious, giving and honest. She was a one-of-a-kind lady. I'll miss her." 

Liza Minnelli: "Joan was my dear friend and I will miss her but I will always remember the laughter and friendship she brought into my life." 

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Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Whoopi Goldberg: "My dear friend, Joan Rivers, has passed away. Once again, I can only quote Billy Crystal...'there are no words.' Bon voyage, Joan." 

Ryan Seacrest: "Joan was a trailblazer in so many ways, and I greatly admired her talent and humor. She was a colleague and friend, as we worked together on E!, and she was also a treasured guest on my radio show many times. Regardless of the forum, Joan was full of funny, witty surprises and she had so much spirit. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Melissa and her family."

Don Rickles: "Our dear Joan is gone. Knowing her, working with he and enjoying the fun times of life with her was special. She will always be in our hearts.  She was a good friend to Barbara and I. Melissa, be strong and take care of your son Cooper.  Joan…we will miss you."

Barbra Streisand: "I first met Joan Molinsky (that was her real name) when I was 17 years old. We were both in an Off-Off Broadway show called Driftwood. She was a real character, and I am so upset by her passing. She was too young and still had much to do."

David Steinberg: "She was one of the best comedy guests Johnny [Carson] ever had…"

Louis C.K.: "I feel very lucky that I knew Joan Rivers and I feel very sad that she's gone.  She was a great comedian and a wonderful person.   I never saw someone attack a stage with so much energy. She was a controlled lightning bolt.  She was a prolific and unpredictable, joyful joke writer.   She loved comedy.  She loved the audience.  She was a great actress and should have done that more. She loved living and working.  She was kind.  She was real.  She was brave. She was funny and you just wanted to be around her.  I looked up to her.  I learned from her.  I loved her. I liked her.  And I already miss her very much.  It really f--king sucks that she had to die all of a sudden."  

Barbara Walters: "No one loved life, laughter, and a good time more than Joan. We would have dinner and laugh and gossip and I always left the table smiling.  She was a brassy, often outrageous, and hilarious performer who made millions laugh.  In private, she was the picture of elegance and class.  I will miss her."

Billy Eichner: "Joan was truly an inspiration. She encouraged me long before anyone else and she did that for many comedians and writers she believed in. She was a joy to be around and she led a truly fabulous life. I will never forget her and will miss her terribly."

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for Global Green

Amy Schumer: "Joan was hilarious and relevant all the way to the end.  She inspired every comic I know and we will carry her with us and quote her jokes forever. When I met her at the premiere of her movie, A Piece of Work she was so kind and wanted to make sure all the comics were going to stay so we could all hang out together. I thought that was so cool. Such a pro, such a hard worker. This was a huge loss for us all."

Annie Duke: "The world has lost a force of nature. Joan was a fierce, funny and feisty woman who brought joy and laughter to many. She will undoubtedly be missed."

QVC: "We are greatly saddened by the loss of our dear friend Joan Rivers. She has been a special part of our QVC family for 24 years, and we knew Joan not only as an extraordinary comedian, writer, producer and business leader, but as a generous and caring spirit, who inspired us to be better every day. Joan truly loved her customers, and delighted in bringing joy and inspiration to their lives over these last many years. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and fans." 

Miss Piggy: "Moi is deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and fellow legend, Joan Rivers. From our first appearance together as battling make-up counter girls in "The Muppets Take Manhattan" to our recent appearances together on QVC (Joan called it "The Thrilla in Manolos"), we were always two of a kind.  I will miss her. Can we talk?  You bet we can, Joan! Forever and ever!"

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