“When I die (and yes, Melissa, that day will come; and yes, Melissa, everything’s in your name), I want my funeral to be a big showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action… I want Craft services, I want paparazzi and I want publicists making a scene! I want it to be Hollywood all the way. I don’t want some rabbi rambling on; I want Meryl Streep crying, in five different accents. I don’t want a eulogy; I want Bobby Vinton to pick up my head and sing ‘Mr. Lonely.’ I want to look gorgeous, better dead than I do alive. I want to be buried in a Valentino gone and I want Harry Winston to make me a toe tag. And I want a wind machine so that even in the casket my hair is blowing just like Beyoncé’s.”
-Joan Rivers, I Hate Everyone… Starting With Me
As you wish, Joan. On Sunday, hundreds of Joan Rivers’ closest family and friends gathered for her invitation-only funeral, which took place on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at Temple Emanu-El.
Jokes aside, the honorable ceremony was filled with tears, laughter, and beautiful memories. “Melissa was funny, strong, witty and courageous,” said Dr. Mehmet Oz, who was in attendance. “The best part was the elegance and flow of it all.”
Melissa Rivers, Joan’s daughter, read a touching letter to her mother, Howard Stern delivered the eulogy, and there was even a musical performance by Hugh Jackman. Other performers included the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and Audra McDonald.
Giuliana Rancic, Kelly Osbourne, George Kotsiopoulous, Kathie Lee Gifford, Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Sawyer, Donald Trump, and Barbara Walters were just a few of the celebrities that attended the funeral. Deborah Norville, Cindy Adams, and Margie Stern recalled hilarious stories for the audience. Stern told a story of attending a Broadway show with Joan Rivers. Upon leaving the theater, Ms. Rivers told her, “Throw down your crutches and shout, ‘It’s a miracle; I’m cured! Thank you, God!’” Ms. Stern continued, “Of course I did it. I was laughing so hard, I almost fell and broke the other hip.”
The afternoon concluded with the New York City Police Department Emerald Society bagpipers playing “Amazing Grace,” “New York, New York,” and finally, “Give My Regards to Broadway.”
Even in her death, this legendary comedian still manages to make people laugh. Rest in Peace Joan Rivers; June 8, 1933 – September 4, 2014.
Written by Stevie Guarino
