Comedian Joan Rivers had been in a serious condition last Friday a day after she was admitted to a New York hospital for experiencing cardiac arrest.

According to family members and hospital officials, the TV personality stopped breathing when she was undergoing a vocal cord procedure.

Like Us on Facebook

According to Rivers' daughter Melissa, her mother's condition is still critical; nonetheless, Mt. Sinai Hospital has sought to provide appropriate care.

 "Her condition remains serious, but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible," her daughter, Melissa, said in a statement released by Mt Sinai Hospital where Rivers was taken last Thursday.

Rivers further commented of how her mother would feel about the overwhelming support the family has been receiving.

"My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world," Rivers said.

The 81-year-old Rivers had reportedly visited a New York clinic for her vocal cord procedure last Thursday.

Without specifically identifying the comedian, the Fire Department of New York claimed that a patient reportedly suffering cardiac arrest was admitted to Mount Sinai from Yorkville Endoscopy by emergency workers at mid-morning.

Rivers has been widely deemed a pioneer for females who have taken on stand-up comedy. Hailing from Brooklyn, she graduated as member of the honor society Phi Beta Kappa from Barnard College and took part in the 1960s comedy club scene along with others who would later on become influential stars, including Woody Allen, Bill Cosby, and Richard Pryor.

One of her greatest gigs include the "Tonight Show" with host Johnny Carson presenting her with regular guest hosting duties in 1983. However, Rivers also had a brief stint with a competing late night talk show that resulted to a gap with Carson that went on until he died in 2005.

The TV personality carried on to hosting her own daytime show, "The Joan Rivers Show" and has recently took part in E! Fashion Police with which she points out the fashion failures of Hollywood celebrities.

Also known for her fondness of plastic surgery and of an unstoppable character, Rivers has also starred together with her daughter in the TV reality show, "Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?"

TagsJoan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best, E! Fashion Police