Update: Joan Rivers reportedly on life support

Joan Rivers is reportedly on life support after being hospitalised earlier this week.

According to TMZ, the 81-year-old comedian was undergoing a procedure on her vocal cords on Thursday (August 28) when she stopped breathing and was rushed to the emergency ward at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. At the time, she was said to be “in critical condition”.

Reports followed in which Rivers’ status was upgraded to “stable but critical” – and her daughter, Melissa Rivers, gave an update on her mother’s condition two days ago (August 29), telling the press that her mother was “resting comfortably”.

Now TMZ is reporting that Joan Rivers is on life support and “completely reliant on machines to stay alive”. Her family, however, are said to remain hopeful that the 81-year-old’s condition will improve.

Over the last 24 hours, several of Rivers friends and work colleagues have taken to Twitter to wish her a safe recovery. Check out a selection below.

Praying for @Joan_Rivers and @MelRivers. Even though Joan’s the strongest woman I know, every single prayer counts. I love you, Joan

— Giuliana Rancic (@GiulianaRancic) August 30, 2014

We can’t lose Joan. All love and healing wishes to Her Majesty Joan Rivers- being ripped a new one by you is an honor to be treasured. — Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) August 31, 2014

JUST HEARD ABOUT JOAN My heart will break I’m still betting on her

— Cher (@cher) August 30, 2014

4 the first time in years I got down on my knees & prayed tonight! I encourage U 2 do the same 4 @Joan_Rivers my grandma! #inconsolable

— Kelly Osbourne (@KellyOsbourne) August 30, 2014

Rivers turned 81 on June 8. She has hosted weekly show Fashion Police on US showbiz network E! since 2010 and is due to embark on a stand-up tour of the UK this October.

As Rivers celebrated her birthday in June, we shared some of her zingiest ever one-liners – check them out here.