Joan Rivers died on Thursday at the age of 81, one week after suffering from cardiac arrest during an outpatient medical procedure on her vocal cords. The witty comedian’s death was confirmed by her only child Melissa Rivers, who has stated that she passed peacefully while surrounded by friends and family.

“It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed peacefully at 1:17pm surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother,” said Melissa Rivers in a statement. “Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received from around the world. They have been heard and appreciated. 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 soon.”

“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 soon.”

Upon hearing word of Rivers’ death, fans gathered outside her Upper East Side apartment to place bouquets of flowers at its entrance. A variety of celebrities and influential figures also immediately paid tribute to the Fashion Police star.

“No one loved life, laughter, and a good time more than Joan. We would have dinner and laugh and gossip and I always left the table smiling,” said Barbara Walters in a statement. “She was a brassy, often outrageous, and hilarious performer.”

“Joan Rivers brought laughter to millions around the world and was proud of her Jewish heritage and a vocal supporter of the State of Israel,” said Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Her energy and talent were boundless. She will be greatly missed,” said Donald Trump of the 2009 Apprentice winner, adding that she was “an amazing woman and a great friend.”

No immediate details about a funeral or memorial service have been announced, but Rivers described her dream funeral in her 2012 book I Hate Everyone… Starting with Me.

“I want my funeral to be a huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action. I want Craft services, I want paparazzi and I want publicists making a scene! I want it to be Hollywood all the way. I don’t want some rabbi rambling on; I want Meryl Streep crying, in five different accents. I don’t want a eulogy; I want Bobby Vinton to pick up my head and sing ‘Mr. Lonely. I want to look gorgeous, better dead than I do alive. I want to be buried in a Valentino gown and I want Harry Winston to make me a toe tag. And I want a wind machine so that even in the casket my hair is blowing like Beyoncé’s.”

The New York State Department of Health said on Thursday it is investigating the comedian’s death, though a representative for Rivers denied claims that her family is planning to sue the clinic where the comedian underwent her outpatient procedure.