Fashion Police host and veteran comedienne Joan Rivers is still under a medically induced coma, but her family remains optimistic that she will wake up. According to The Associated Press, Rivers’ daughter Melissa gave a statement on her mother’s condition on Sunday, saying, “We are keeping our fingers crossed.”
The younger Rivers also thanked fans and well-wishers for their “continued love and support” in the statement, which was posted on her mother’s website. “My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world,” she wrote. “Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery.”
Joan Rivers still hospitalized, Melissa says, “We are keeping our fingers crossed” http://t.co/QB1huZ3snU pic.twitter.com/24WLsTdc40
— E! Online (@eonline) August 31, 2014
The comedy legend was reportedly undergoing a procedure on her vocal chords at a clinic in New York when she suddenly went into cardiac arrest last Thursday. She was reported to have stopped breathing during the procedure and was then rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital. The incident happened just one day after Rivers appeared at an employee event for Time Inc., where witnesses said she appeared well. The news of her condition has affected fans and colleagues of Rivers, many of whom expressed their support for her recovery on social media sites. Rivers’ Fashion Police co-host, Giuliana Rancic, tweeted on Saturday, “Praying for @Joan_Rivers and @MelRivers. Even though Joan’s the strongest woman I know, every single prayer counts. I love you, Joan.”
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
The third host of E!’s fashion series also tweeted about praying for Rivers’ recuperation. “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,” wrote Kelly Osbourne.
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
Melissa Rivers will reportedly be making a decision in the following days on whether she will be taking her mother off life support.