Melissa Rivers believes that her mom, the late comedian Joan Rivers, had the ability to bring people together. This special skill would be particularly useful in today’s divisive political climate, Melissa told People at the taping of Dead Funny — An All-Star Tribute to Joan Rivers on November 8, 2024.
Melissa Rivers’ comments about her mom’s talent come on the heels of a divisive presidential election. In trying times like these, someone like Joan Rivers might be exactly what people need, she explained to People, describing her mom as someone who “appealed across the aisles and to the far ends as well.”
Speaking of her mom’s ability to bring people together regardless of their political beliefs, Melissa said, “I think that’s one of the things that, as a country, we’re missing right now.”
“Someone who can say, ‘We can all still laugh. Everyone take a deep breath. We’re still going to make jokes,'” Melissa added.
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In terms of how Joan would’ve reacted to the recent election, Melissa told People that her mom likely would’ve said: “‘Oh, stop it. Just stop it. Everyone get over themselves!”
Dead Funny — An All-Star Tribute to Joan Rivers, Benefitting God’s Love We Deliver will air on NBC in 2025, according to the publication.
Melissa believes that Dead Funny will make it clear that her mom’s voice is “still relevant.”
“Her voice would still be as important as ever,” Melissa told People. “All the things she’s talked about are the important topics today.” On a regular basis, Melissa honors her late mother by sharing her jokes, comedy clips and interviews on Instagram.
Joan Rivers died on September 4, 2014 at age 81. On the 10th anniversary of Joan’s death, Melissa reflected on her mom’s legacy.
“I am filled with so many different emotions that it’s hard to keep track of them all: sadness, pride, and enduring love,” Melissa shared on Instagram. “It is amazing to me how even 10 years after my mom’s passing her voice is still beyond relevant.”
Additionally, Melissa reflected on “how much she is missed in these trying times.”
“It is incredibly special to me that she is remembered by her fans with not just love, but with a sense of ownership of the fact that she tackled topics that no one else was speaking about at the time,” Melissa concluded.
