The 'X-Men' star sings 'Quiet Please, There's a Lady on Stage' at the private funeral in front of celebrity guests which include Kathy Griffin, Whoopi Goldberg and Kelly Osbourne.
- September 8, 2014
AceShowbiz -
Many celebrities paid respects to Joan Rivers at an intimate funeral at Temple Emanu-El on Sunday morning, September 7. The star-studded event was attended by the comedian's close friends and colleagues such as Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband Matthew Broderick, Howard Stern, Diane Sawyer, Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb, Andy Cohen, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Griffin, Barbara Walters and "Fashion Police" stars Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic.
The funeral started with a performance from New York City Gay Men's Chorus who sang "There Is Nothing Like a Dame" from musical "South Pacific" and "Hey, Big Spender" from "Sweet Charity". After Rabbi Joshua Davidson delivered prayers, Audra McDonald sang a touching rendition of "Smile".
The service then continued with speeches from Rivers' friends. Her daughter Melissa Rivers also spoke in front of the audience, thanking everyone for their outpouring support. "We're humbled," she said, as quoted by PEOPLE. She drew some laughter as she read a hilarious letter she wrote to her mother when she was still alive.
Before closing prayers were delivered, Hugh Jackman sang Peter Allen song "Quiet Please, There's a Lady on Stage". Bagpipers from the Pipes & Drums of the Emerald Society played some songs including "New York, New York" as mourners left.
Rivers passed away on Thursday, September 4 after being hospitalized for a week following a cardiac arrest. She was 81. "Joan Rivers [was] given a truly funny,truly loving send off by folks who loved her, funny&deeply moving, much like her. gift laughter 2some1 2day," Godlberg tweeted.
