September 9, 2014
e Entertainment
Rivers passed away last week, after going into cardiac arrest during an outpatient medical procedure in New York City. Her final wish was to not have a traditional and somber funeral service, but one that was big on showbiz, glamour, glitz and celebrities.
“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 huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action,” Rivers was quoted as saying in her 2012 book, I HATE EVERYONE…STARTING WITH ME. “I want Kraft 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 gown 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.”
Rivers got the last laugh — and at least most of her final wishes.
e Entertainment
Having spent a huge chunk of her life on the red carpet, mourners arrived at the Temple Emanu-El Synagogue in Manhattan, where Rivers was a member, as if they were attending a Hollywood premiere. Whoopi Goldberg, Donald Trump, Sarah Jessica Parker, Howard Stern, Diane Sawyer, Kelly Osbourne, Kathie Lee Gifford, Bernadette Peters and other top names were all part of the star-studded event in honor of Joan. Mourners wore “Joan Ranger” badges, which were star-shaped pins reminiscent of police badges, as a final tribute to the “Fashion Police” star. Howard Stern delivered the eulogy, with music from Audra McDonald, Hugh Jackman and the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus. Paparazzi was everywhere, just as she would have wanted. It was a fussy affair. “It felt like a Broadway show with tons of humor lots of tears, and ended with a standing ovation,” Hoda Kotb said.
When the service ended, bagpipers streamed out of the temple playing “New York, New York,” among other tunes. About 500 spectators and at least 100 members of the press lined the streets outside. Following the services, Rivers’ remains were flown to the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles for interment.
