Christopher Polk/Getty ImagesMelissa Rivers is opening up about her late mother Joan Rivers.
Nearly eight months since the comedy legend passed away at the age of 81, Melissa says she's finally coming to terms with the tragic death. "I never let myself imagine life without her," Melissa tells People. "Why would I want to?"
The 47-year-old isn't the only one having a hard time with the Fashion Police host's death. Melissa's 14-year-old son Cooper has also "lost his partner in crime."
"He would get away with everything and she would indulge him. I would say to her, 'Are you really trying to undermine all my authority?' And she'd say, 'Yeah, pretty much. Being a grandparent is the best because it's all of the fun and none of the crap,'" Melissa tells the mag.
Melissa revealed she misses her mom most " when something really funny is happening." "Everybody asks me, 'Don't you feel her presence?' I do, but I don't," she adds. "She'll leave me alone until I do something that really pisses her off, like cut bangs."
Back in September after Joan's passing, Melissa remembered her mother in a touching statement. "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother," she said. "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."
She 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."