On Sunday celebrities including, Sarah Jessica Parker, Whoopi Goldberg, Donald Trump, Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters and Kelly Osbourne walked the red carpet to say their final goodbyes to Rivers who passed away at the age of 81 in New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital – a week after she suffered cardiac arrest during a medical procedure at a clinic.
In her 2013 book, I Hate Everyone … Starting With Me, the former Fashion Police host outlined her elaborate final wishes where she called for “a huge showbiz affair with lights, camera and action” – and Joan would be pleased to know all of the Hollywood drama was there in spades.
Mourners were welcomed inside the Fifth Avenue temple with hymn sung by the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and then a rabbi offered an opening prayer after the show tunes, followed by songs from Broadway star Audra McDonald.
Sarah Jessica Parker arrives at the funeral of comedian Joan Rivers.
The invitiation-only service included a eulogy by shock jock Howard Stern who remembered his relationship with Rivers fondly calling her “the best friend in the world … a big sister … a crazy aunt at a bar mitzvah.”
Melissa Rivers, the only child of the late comedian, chose to recall some happier times and had the audience laughing as she read out a letter she had written to her mother.
Concluding her tribute on a sentimental note Melissa ended by saying, “I am grateful for everyday Cooper (River’s grandson) and I have with you.
“You are an inspiration,” she added.
Friends in high places: Donald Trump and Barbara Walters were in attendance.
The hour-long proceedings were concluded by Hugh Jackman who serenaded the temple with a sweet rendition of Peter Allen’s Quiet Please, There’s a Lady on Stage and in true showbiz style he and Rivers recieved a standing ovation.
E!’s Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic said their goodbyes to their Fashion Police co-host.
When the service was over, bagpipers flooded out of the temple and played several songs, including New York, New York, as guests made their exit.
The streets were lined with about 500 onlookers and a dozens of paparazzi and media crews.
The whole affair was “quintessential New York,” US Today host Hoda Kotb told reporters.
Authorities say they are still looking into the circumstances surrounding Rivers’ death as she reportedly showed no signs of poor health in the hours leading up to her procedure at the Manhattan clinic.
