Joan Rivers dead at 81 | #RIPJoanrivers

Joan Rivers dead at 81 | #RIPJoanrivers

Joan Rivers, a pioneer for women in stand-up comedy and television, has died, her daughter confirmed. She was 81.

Rivers died at 1:17 p.m. ET Thursday in New York surrounded by family and friends.

"My mother's greatest joy in life was to make people laugh," Melissa Rivers said. "Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon."