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Television personalities Joan Rivers and daughter Melissa Rivers on the red carpet at the 77th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater Feb. 27, 2005, in Hollywood, California. Carlo Allegri/Getty Images

Melissa Rivers released a statement Thursday confirming that her mother, Joan Rivers, had passed away. Last week, the 81-year-old comedian was rushed to Mount Sinai after going into cardiac respiratory arrest during a visit to her doctor for throat surgery.

“It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. 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,” Melissa said, reports ABC. “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.”

Rivers was transferred from the intensive unit and upgraded to a larger suite Thursday, a friend tells the Daily News. The hospital space was “decorated by celebrity wedding planner Preston Bailey with flowers, bows, plants," her close friend Cindy Adams said. The room also included a white faux-mink blanket. In addition to having a luxurious room and getting her makeup and hair professionally done, her dogs were allowed to visit her.

"My mother ... is being kept comfortable. Thank you for your continued support," daughter Melissa Rivers said in a statement earlier this week.