Tributes have poured in for American comedian Joan Rivers following her death at 81.
Fellow comedians Ricky Gervais and Ellen DeGeneres are among a long list of celebrities who've taken to social media to honour Rivers, famed for her caustic wit.
Rivers had a heart attack in a doctor's surgery last week and was admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital.
Her daughter Melissa said in a statement on Thursday: "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."
Rivers was a veteran of showbusiness, with half a century working in entertainment.
She was known for her acid tongue and for undergoing plastic surgery.
In 2010 she joked: "With all the plastic surgery I've had I'm worried that when I die, God won't recognise me!"
She was host of Fashion Police and also had an online talk show called In Bed With Joan.
Gervais tweeted: "RIP the mighty Joan Rivers. Funny & fearless. Truly one of a kind."
Television host and comedian DeGeneres said Rivers had led the way for others.
"Joan Rivers will always be a pioneer. She paved the way for a lot of comedians. I'm very sad she's gone," she tweeted.
Australian actor Hugh Jackman said: "We lost one of the true originals today. Joan Rivers. A force. You will be missed."
US television host Larry King tweeted: "Joan Rivers was a dear and wonderful friend who I've known for 45 years. Great guest, pal, comedian & mother. We will never see her likes again."
A statement from television network E! and NBC Universal hailed Rivers as having revolutionised comedy.
"She was unapologetic and fiercely dedicated to entertaining all of us and has left an indelible mark on the people that worked with her and on her legions of fans."
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