Family: Joan Rivers on life support

Actress and personality Joan Rivers
American personality Joan Rivers participates during the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Oxford Street on March 7, 2009, in Sydney, Australia. The annual parade, which has been going since June 1978, has a 2009 theme of "Nations United", with the event's intention to raise the visibility of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities.
Brendon Thorne / Getty Images 2009

Joan Rivers' family is confirming that the comedian is on life support after going into cardiac arrest last week during a procedure at a doctor's office.

Her daughter, Melissa Rivers, said in a statement Tuesday that her mother is on life support "at this time." Melissa said the family is extremely grateful for the public support.

Joan Rivers was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan last Thursday. The 81-year-old comic and red carpet commentator has maintained a busy career as host of "Fashion Police" on the E! network and co-star of the WEtv reality show, "Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?"

Melissa Rivers said Tuesday that she knows that her mother would be overwhelmed by the continuing outpouring of kindness.

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