Joan Rivers dies: Friends and celebrities pay tribute

Barbra Streisand has led the tributes to the legendary Joan Rivers, who passed away yesterday (September 4) aged 81.

The sharp-tongued comedian died at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest late last week – read more here.

Rivers’ friends, work colleagues and fellow celebrities have since paid tribute to her Twitter. Read Barbra Streisand’s statement followed by more heartfelt tributes below.

‘I first met Joan Molinsky, that was her real name, when I was 17 years old and we were both in a off off Broadway show called Driftwood. She was a real character then and now.. I am so upset by her passing. She was too young and had too much to do still.’

I love you with all my heart @Joan_Rivers my life will never be the same with out you! https://t.co/0kn2FFZDF9 pic.twitter.com/zQnXlwepXh

— Kelly Osbourne (@KellyOsbourne) September 4, 2014

Joan Rivers will always be a pioneer. She paved the way for a lot of comedians. I’m very sad she’s gone. pic.twitter.com/i1uE9fyHMh — Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 4, 2014

Am About Joan When I was Young.I Was going through a TOUGH TIME..& I Thought About Joan.She Had Told Stories About Her TOUGH Times,I Got

— Cher (@cher) September 4, 2014

So sad over the passing of @Joan_Rivers. U brought me a lifetime of laughter & were amazing to me the few times we met. RIP — Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) September 4, 2014

What’s the point of wearing all these dumb costumes if Joan’s not here to rip them apart RIP Joan Rivers. You are a one of a one.

— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) September 4, 2014

What better way to remember Joan Rivers than for her comedy? — Check out a selection of her most memorable zingers here.