Joan Rivers dies aged 81

American comedian Joan Rivers has died at the age of 81.

Her daughter Melissa Rivers released a statement earlier today that read: "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."

She was admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York a week ago after suffering a cardiac arrest during a routine procedure on her vocal chords.

"My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh," Melissa added. "Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon."

Born in Brooklyn, Joan Rivers rose to fame through her appearances on Johnny Carson's chat show in the 60s and subsequently enjoyed success as a stand-up, actress, author, TV host and businesswoman.

Rivers, who enjoyed a 50-year career, was known for her outrageous turn of phrase and acerbic wit on issues ranging from politics to sex. Her catchphrase was the invocation "can we talk?"

Her stage credits include the one-woman show Broke and Alone and, on Broadway, Fun City, Broadway Bound and Sally Marr and Her Escorts, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award.

She made her London acting debut in the autobiographical play A Work in Progress by a Life in Progress, which ran at the Leicester Square Theatre in 2008 following a run at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Ellen DeGeneres, who followed in Rivers' footsteps as a US talkshow host, tweeted: "Joan Rivers will always be a pioneer. She paved the way for a lot of comedians. I’m very sad she’s gone."

Actress Liza Minelli wrote on Facebook: "Joan Rivers was my dear friend and I will miss her but I will always remember the laughter and friendship she brought into my life."