The ‘Fashion Police’ host passed away “peacefully” this afternoon (04.09.14) at Mount Sinai hospital in New York surrounded by her friends and family.

Joan’s daughter Melissa, 46, said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. 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.”

She added: “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.”

The comedienne was rushed to hospital last Thursday after she suffered a cardiac arrest and stopped breathing while undergoing a routine operation on her vocal cords at the private Yorkville Endoscopy clinic.

Producer Melissa caught a flight to New York with her son Cooper, 13, as soon as she was informed of her mother’s health scare.

Joan was put on life support after being placed in a medically-induced coma, but appeared to be showing signs of progress yesterday (03.09.14) when she was transferred to a private room at the hospital.

Melissa – Joan’s only child – said yesterday: “My mother has been moved out of intensive care and into a private room where she is being kept comfortable. Thank you for your continued support.”