Hollywood stars turn out for funeral of Joan Rivers in New York

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...nesthesia.html

'Hollywood all the way:' Joan Rivers gets her final wish as a star-studded cast attends funeral that 'felt like a Broadway show with tons of humor, lots of tears and ended with a standing ovation'


- Prince Charles led tributes on weekend describing the comedian and close friend 'irreplacable'
- Legion of notables shows up at New York's Temple Emanu-El to remember the legend, who died at 81 on Thursday
- Among the crowds: Kathy Griffin, Whoopie Goldberg, Howard Stern, Donald Trump, Barbra Walters, Kelly Osbourne, Hugh Jackman, Robin Quivers and Sarah Jessica Parker
- In her book, the comedic star revealed that she hoped for 'a huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action'
- Scores of fans, friends and family visited Joan Rivers' apartment on Manhattan's Upper East Side on Friday following her death
- Autopsy found no cause of death pending additional tests as New York medical examiner continues to investigate factors surrounding her death
- The NYPD is now investigating the death of the comedienne, who suffered from a heart condition
- Rivers' daughter Melissa said a heartbreaking goodbye to her mother on Saturday

Glamorous: Rivers wrote in a memoir published last year that she wanted her funeral to be a grand Hollywood affair packed with mourning celebrities and paparazzi

Even in death, Joan Rivers got what she wanted: A star-studded funeral.

On Sunday morning, a legion of notables turned out at New York's Temple Emanu-El to remember Rivers, who died Thursday at 81: Kathy Griffin, whose edgy, biting comedy career was largely made possible by Rivers; colleague and friend Kelly Osbourne; Sarah Jessica Parker and Whoopi Goldberg; Howard Stern.

Prince Charles, a close friend of Joan Rivers, led tributes describing her as 'irreplacable'

Theater stars Bernadette Peters, Alan ******* and Tommy Tune were there. Record producer Clive Davis arrived, too. Fashion designers Carolina Herrera and Michael Kors were there.

Stars from TV such as Barbara Walters, Geraldo Rivera, Diane Sawyer, Kathie Lee, Hoda Kotb and Andy Cohen. And moguls Barry Diller, Donald Trump and Steve Forbes.

Cooper Endicott and Melissa Rivers depart the Joan Rivers memorial service at Temple Emanu-El in New York City

Inside Temple Emanu-El, the stars were treated to a performance by the New York City Gay Men's Chorus singing 'irreverent, fun songs,' an insider told MailOnline.

Howard Stern opened proceedings with jokes about the effects of aging on parts of Rivers' body - not unlike jokes Rivers herself has made - then grew serious as he spoke of his affection for Rivers, describing her as his 'hero.'

He called Rivers the 'best friend in the world,' a 'big sister' and the 'crazy aunt at a Bar Mitzvah,' People reported.

'I hope Joan is somewhere right now chasing Johnny Carson with a baseball bat,' he said, referring to the feud between 'The Tonight Show' host and Rivers that began when she became the first woman to be offered her own late night show.

US radio talk show host Howard Stern and his wife arrive at the funeral


Radio personality Robin Quivers leaves the funeral for Joan Rivers


Barbara Walters (left) waves to onlookers as a somber Kelly Osbourne (right) walks by

Hugh Jackman delivered a moving tribute, singing Peter Allen's 'Quiet Please, There's a Lady on Stage.' A touched crowd stood up and applauded, following along Jackman's lead as he sang the line, 'Put your hands together.'

Audra McDonald, of Broadway fame, left mourners in tears as she sang.

Rivers' only daughter Melissa was the last speaker. She read a light-hearted letter to her mother, striking 'just the right tone for this event,' an insider told MailOnline.

She is reportedly beside herself with grief at the loss of her mother, but put on a brave face for the funeral.

'It felt like a Broadway show with tons of humor, lots of tears and it ended with a standing ovation,' 'Today' co-host Hoda, who was among the attendees, told MailOnline.

'It was perfect. That's exactly how it should've been.'

Mourners exited the church to the sound of 'New York, New York' on bagpipes.

Whoopi Goldberg, Sarah Jessica Parker (with husband Matthew Broderick) and Rosie O'Donnell after the service.

She was not only the funniest woman I have ever met but was incredibly loving, honest, and lived her life with no regrets,' Rancic said in a statement.

'Working with her for the last 13 years has been one of the true joys of my life.

'She could put a smile on your face, instantly, no matter how hard your day was.

'My heart goes out to Melissa and [grandson] Cooper who have lost something that can never be replaced.

'Their bond was truly one-of-a-kind. They had the greatest mother and grandmother anyone could ever hope for.'

Grandson Cooper Endicott was also seen arriving at the apartment on Friday to meet his mom Melissa.

'Thankyou Joan': Joan Rivers passed away on September 4, 2014 after suffering respiratory and cardiac arrest during vocal cord surgery on August 28, 2014

Rivers' funeral is expected to take place on Sunday at Temple Emmanu El, a Jewish Reform synagogue just three blocks north from her apartment on East 62nd St.

The arrangements are being handled by the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home on the Upper East Side.

E! reported that the event will be closed to the press and the public, and all the mourners will be admitted by invitation only.

Us Weekly reported Friday that 'many celebrities are confirmed' are the service.

The magazine also said a red carpet will be rolled out outside the synagogue and then buried alongside Rivers.

God this is so sad.

But interesting how so many people loved her and how many people have commented on how she was so nice when they met her in person... different to what the social justice mob on tumblr and in the comments have been posting. Maybe that's because most people, including most celebrities, actually understand the difference between a joke and reality? Ironically, most of the nasty comments (that she wouldn't give a **** about anyway) are coming from those criticising her style of humour... she was nasty for humour, where as they are genuinely nasty in their delight over a death. Go figure.

Awful to see Melissa and Cooper knowing how close they were. But what a send off, exactly how she wanted it. Seeing Howard Stern and Robin Quivers there makes me really sad knowing Joan won't be on the show again, they were always classics to listen in to.

Rest in peace xx