Comedian Joan Rivers dies in New York at age 81

Legendary comedian Joan Rivers has died. She was 81.

Her daughter Melissa said Rivers passed away peacefully in New York on Thursday afternoon surrounded by family and close friends.

The Brooklyn-born comedian was placed on life support last week after she suffered cardiac arrest during outpatient surgery on her vocal cords at a Manhattan clinic.

The comedian, who was known for her brash style of humor had a lengthy career and most recently was host of E!'s "Fashion Police."