Tributes paid to comedian Rivers

Famous faces have paid tribute to comedian and TV host Joan Rivers, who has died in New York at the age of 81.

US talk show host David Letterman said that the acerbic wit was "a real pioneer for Comedian Sarah Silverman said: "My heart is torn in half. She wasn't done," while actress Liza Minnelli remembered Rivers as a "dear friend", saying: "I will always remember the laughter and friendship she brought into my life."

Kelly Osbourne, who appeared with Rivers on her TV show Fashion Police, said she was "my teacher, therapist, closest friend, inspiration and the only grandmother I ever knew".

Letterman also recalled her guest spots on his show, saying: "She would come out here and sit in this chair and say some things that were unbelievable.

"But it was hilarious… the force of her comedy was overpowering," he added.

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On his show, Jimmy Fallon said: "We loved her. We will definitely miss her," while veteran TV interviewer Larry King said: "We will never see her like again."

US property mogul and host of The Apprentice Donald Trump said: "Her energy and talent were boundless. She will be greatly missed."

The comedian won a celebrity edition of the programme in 2009.

Rivers had been on life support in Mount Sinai Hospital since having a cardiac arrest in New York last week.

Her daughter Melissa said she died surrounded by family and friends, and thanked hospital staff for their "amazing care".

She stopped breathing during a procedure on her vocal cords at an outpatient clinic last Thursday.

"My mother's greatest joy in life was to make people laugh," said Melissa Rivers.

"Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon." other women looking for careers in stand-up comedy".

Presenter Ellen DeGeneres echoed her significance, adding: "I'm very sad she's gone".

Prince Charles called Rivers "an extraordinary woman with an original and indefatigable spirit."

He added that she had "an unstoppable sense of humour and an enormous zest for life. She will be hugely missed and utterly irreplaceable."

Rivers was a guest at the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall's wedding in 2005, and also performed at a Prince's Trust benefit concert on his 60th birthday.

Comedian and actress Whoopi Goldberg tweeted: "My friend Joan Rivers has passed away. Once again to quote Billy Crystal... There are no words. Bon Voyage Joan."

Lena Dunham, writer and star of sitcom Girls, said: "Watching Joan Rivers do stand-up at age 81 was incredible: athletic, jaw-dropping, terrifying, essential. It never stopped. Neither will she."