Joan Rivers actually joked about Death before she stopped breathing

From:	Kemi Filani

Joan Rivers joked about her death Wednesday night, just hours before she stopped breathing during a throat procedure that forced doctors to put her in a medically-induced coma.

Rivers' daughter, Melissa Rivers, said Thursday night her mother was resting comfortably, according to the New York Daily News. The 81-year-old TV star suffered cardiac and respiratory arrest and was rushed to a New York hospital Thursday morning.

About 12 hours earlier, Rivers did a small, sold-out stand-up gig in Manhattan, during which she joked about her mortality.

"She did a joke onstage, she goes, 'I'm 81 -- I could go at any moment,'" said Shade Rupe, 45, who attended the Wednesday night show at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. "'I could fall over right here and you all could say, 'I was there!'"

Melissa Rivers, left, waves as her mother Joan Rivers looks on during arrivals at the 58th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif, Jan. 21, 2001. (AP Photo/Kim Johnson)

The Daily News reported doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital aren't sure long Rivers went without oxygen, and are still trying to assess any damage that was caused.

The newspaper also reported that her daughter and occasional reality show co-host was "an emotional wreck" after flying cross-country Thursday.

There's no word on when doctors plan on bringing the "Fashion Police" star out of the coma.

"I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming love and support for my mother," Melissa Rivers said in a statement, upon arriving in New York. "She is resting comfortably and is with our family. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers."