UPDATE: Joan rivers has passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

"It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers," she said. "She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. surrounded by family and close friends.

"My mother's greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing too."

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After having been rushed to Mt. Sinai Hosptal last Thursday, 81-year old Joan Rivers was in the process of being lifted out of her medically induced coma before her death today.

A source close to the family told New York Daily News that the procedure, which began on Sunday, would last until Tuesday at the earliest.

According to the report, Melissa Rivers, the veteran host's only daughter, is considering filing a lawsuit against those who are allegedly responsible for her condition.

The source said, "Shock and upset is turning to anger, and they are looking for someone to blame."

The older Rivers was said to have been going through a throat surgery to fix her vocal chords in a clinic in Manhattan when she experienced complications. The Mirror reported that a 9-1-1 call was made mid-morning about someone having a cardiac or respiratory arrest, presumably Rivers. The patient was then rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital where she was placed on a coma to stabilize her vital signs. Reports say that the comedienne stopped breathing and was put on life support.

On Aug. 29, Melissa 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. 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.