Joan Rivers Dead at 81

Numerous media outlets are reporting that legendary comedian Joan Rivers has died.

Rivers has been in a medically-induced coma since last week when she collapsed after a routine medical procedure. The comedian is survived by her daughter Melissa, who has one son.

A legend and a pioneer Rivers was the first woman to host a late night talk show taking on Johnny Carson. In recent years she reinvented herself as a fashion critic though she has always remained an active comedian.

Rivers, 81, remained active until this recent event which killed her, performing often, appearing on QVC, and on E!'s Fashion Police. Unlike many older comedians, she remained relevant and was a favorite guest of Howard Stern.

See the link to EmptyLighthouse's recent story on her last appearance with Stern.