Joan Rivers passed away on Thursday afternoon at the age of 81, and the Twitterverse exploded with celebrities and fans paying tribute to the legendary comedian.

Joan's daughter Melissa released a statement confirming the news and thanking the doctors, nurses and staff of Mount Sinai hospital "for the amazing care they provided" for her mother. Melissa added, "My mother's greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon."

The other day, Joan's Fashion Police co-star Kelly Osbourne tweeted, "4 the first time in years I got down on my knees & prayed tonight! I encourage U 2 do the same 4 @Joan_Rivers my grandma! #inconsolable." Kelly has yet to release another statement, but her mom Sharon wrote a few minutes ago,"We've lost a true legend today and an amazing woman - a pioneer. She opened up the arena for women in comedy...My heart goes out to Melissa and Edgar. Love and respect from the Osbourne family to you both."

A number of Hollywood's biggest names took to social media to send their condolences to Joan's family, including her close friends and even some celebs whom she (playfully) slammed on her hit E! show.
    Ellen DeGeneres: Joan Rivers will always be a pioneer. She paved the way for a lot of comedians. I’m very sad she’s gone.

    Jimmy Kimmel: we lost a great one in @Joan_Rivers - she was funny all the way to the end

    Demi Lovato: RIP Joan Rivers... You made fun of my boobies just last week and it was an HONOR. Thanks for making so many people laugh here on Earth.

    Seth Meyers: RIP Joan Rivers. A force of nature.

    Emmy Rossum: Heaven just got a little funnier. We will miss you, Joan. There will never be another one like you.

    Kathy Griffin: A legend, a friend, a mentor, an icon, and wildly funny. One of a kind. RIP #JoanRivers 2 … this day @Joan_Rivers remains the FIRST & ONLY woman 2 host a nightly network (not cable) late-night talk show.

    Whoopi Goldberg: My friend Joan Rivers has passed away once again to quote Billy Crystal... There are no words. Bon Voyage Joan.

    Ricky Gervais: RIP the mighty Joan Rivers. Funny & fearless. Truly one of a kind.

    LeAnn Rimes: Sad news, Joan Rivers just passed. R.I.P. Funny lady Thanks for the laughs & for your heart Hope the angels are laughing w/ you now

    Robin Roberts: So sad that #JoanRivers has passed away. Thinking of her daughter @MelRivers and her family, friends and many fans. #RIPJoanRivers

    Andy Cohen: Heaven just got a whole lot funnier. #RIPJoan

    Bob Saget: So funny and irrepressible. Rest in peace, Joan Rivers.

    Leah Remini: Rest In Peace Joan Rivers. thoughts and prayers to her family and those who knew her. She was one of a kind. She will be missed

    Donald Trump: Joan Rivers @Joan_Rivers was an amazing woman and a great friend. Her energy and talent were boundless. She will be greatly missed.

    Larry King: @Joan_Rivers was a dear & wonderful friend who I've known for 45yrs. Great guest, pal, comedian & mother. We will never see her likes again

    Khloe Kardashian: Rest in peace Joan!! You will be missed!

Just last night, we caught up with King after dinner, and he shared his own fond memories of Joan. "She's a great girl," he said. "I've known her 45 years. She's really a good lady. She does all that humor and kids people but she's really a good lady."