"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," daughter Melissa Rivers stated at the time of her mother's death.
AP ImagesCountless figures have paid tribute to Joan Rivers following her death at age 81 earlier this month, but daughter Melissa Rivers said she received personal condolences from President Barack Obama.
The late comedy legend’s daughter made the comment during her first public appearance since her mother’s death, in E!’s Fashion Police: Celebrating Joan special, airing Friday night.
“She affected so many people, and people you would never expect to have humor,” Melissa explains, alongside Kelly Osbourne, Giuliana Rancic and George Kotsiopoulos. “I received a letter from the White House, President Obama, someone who was often a target of her jokes, as was Mrs. Obama, but I received a handwritten note, saying, ‘Not only did she make us laugh, she made us think.’ ”
Osbourne added, “If it wasn’t for your mother, I wouldn’t be able to be me. My mother wouldn’t be able to be her. Any outspoken, independent woman wouldn’t be who they are if it wasn’t for women like Joan paving the way.”
The 90-minute special Fashion Police: Celebrating Joan airs on E! on Friday at 8 p.m. Watch the clip here.
Email: Ashley.Lee@THR.com
Twitter: @cashleelee
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