Joan Rivers' Condtion Remains 'Serious', Says Daughter

Comedienne and Fashion Police co-host Joan Rivers is in a critical condition, according to a statement issued by her daughter Melissa Rivers on Friday.

"My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world," she said. "Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery."

Rivers, 81, had undergone a procedure on her vocal cords on Thursday morning at Yorkville Endoscopy. She stopped breathing during the surgery and was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, reports NBC NEWS.

Rivers' daughter Melissa Rivers and her son Cooper took a flight to New York from Los Angeles without delay.

Rivers was expected to perform at the Count Basie Theater in New Jersey on Friday Night.

Michael Lucas, who watched Rivers perform at New York's Beechman Theater on Wednesday said  that Rivers talked about death in a humorous way, reports CNN.

She said, 'You know I'm 81 years old, and I could drop dead at any moment and you would be so lucky because you will have a story to tell your friends for the rest of your life,'" Lucas said. "Then she mimicked people talking about what it was like to see her drop dead on stage."

It was a very hectic week for Rivers as she had graced the red carpets at the Video Music Awards and Emmys on Sunday and Monday.

She had also recorded a special "Fashion Police" episode on Tuesday. The stand-up in Manhattan on Wednesday was her last engagement before the hospitalization, reports NBC NEWS.