Stars say farewell to Joan Rivers

A HOST of stars from all over the globe were among the mourners who attended the funeral of Joan Rivers, who died on Thursday aged 81.

Whoopi Goldberg, Kelly Osbourne, Sarah Jessica Parker, Barbara Walters and Donald Trump were among the many names who joined theatre, fashion and media together in Temple Emanu-El, to show their respects to the late comedian and talk show host.

The eulogy was delivered by Howard Stern, Hugh Jackman sang ‘Quiet please, there is a lady on stage’ and Broadway singer-actress Audra McDonald sang ‘Smile.’  

The funeral programme adorned with a photo of Rivers, included a page with three classic Rivers’ lines: ‘Can we talk?’ ‘Who are you wearing?’ and ‘Because I’m a funny person.’

The comedian had emphasised in her 2012 best selling book ‘I Hate Everyone … Starting With Me’ that she wanted her funeral to be “a huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action” and “Hollywood all the way.” Instead of a rabbi talking, Rivers asked for “Meryl Streep crying, in five different accents” and “a wind machine so that even in the casket my hair is blowing just like Beyonce’s.” her wishes were even printed in the funeral programme.

Melissa Rivers, Rivers’ only child, spoke about how she respected her mother and appreciated everyone’s support.

Rivers was admitted to hospital on August 28 after suffering a cardiac arrest in the doctor’s surgery during a routine procedure. Investigations are ongoing after the first autopsy tests proved inconclusive.