Twitter tributes flow for Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers has died at the age of 81. Photo/AP

Fans, friends and family have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Joan Rivers, the acid-tongued comedian who died today at the age of 81.

Daughter Melissa Rivers said she died at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, surrounded by family and close friends.

"My mother's greatest joy in life was to make people laugh," Melissa Rivers said.

"Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that re return to laughing soon."

Twitter was soon filled with tributes to the Fashion Police star.

A legend who broke barriers 4 women in show business...@Joan_Rivers will b missed. Much Love & Respect #RIPJoanRivers pic.twitter.com/Og3LQpAbJv

— Fergie (@Fergie) September 5, 2014

Bosom buddies. #RIPJoanRivers pic.twitter.com/yMDhOAcM3v

— Joy Behar (@JoyVBehar) September 5, 2014

Joan Rivers always did it her way and has generations of fans mourning her passing to prove it. Another comedy great lost. #RIPJoanRivers

— Rove McManus (@Rove) September 5, 2014

"Who are you wearing?" --Joan to God at the pearly gates #RIPJoanRivers #neverstoplaughing #WeMissYou http://t.co/1htrHBrTIz

— Marc Malkin (@marcmalkin) September 4, 2014

.@Joan_Rivers said: “We all mourn in our own way. I mourn with a great steak.”

Tonight I'm going with the filet.#RIPJoanRivers

— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) September 4, 2014

Joan Rivers will always be a pioneer. She paved the way for a lot of comedians. I’m very sad she’s gone. pic.twitter.com/i1uE9fyHMh

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 4, 2014

So funny and irrepressible. Rest in peace, Joan Rivers.

— bob saget (@bobsaget) September 4, 2014

RIP Joan Rivers! Even if you didn't like her humour, she was a pioneer for women comics & was still in the biz at 81! #legend #oneofakind

— Leah Panapa (@LeahPanapa) September 4, 2014

Joan Rivers wouldn't want saccharine tributes tonight. She'd want people taking the piss.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 4, 2014

We will miss you @Joan_Rivers. What you did in your life was absolutely remarkable. Your rep for kindness to everyone was completely true

— Joel McHale (@joelmchale) September 4, 2014

My dear friend @Joan_Rivers & @QVC buddy for 25 years has passed on. Sending prayers 2 @MelRivers & family at this difficult time! #RIPJoan

— Marie Osmond (@marieosmond) September 4, 2014

RIP Joan Rivers. You made us laugh and happy.

— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) September 4, 2014

Very sad to hear about Joan Rivers passing. She was an incredible talent, a generous and loving person and a friend. She will be missed!

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 4, 2014

They won't ever make another one like her... #RIP Joan Rivers, you will always be amazing, I was blessed to meet you pic.twitter.com/xJJ9Mx2iPL

— Taylor Momsen (@taylormomsen) September 4, 2014

Gallery: Joan Rivers remembered

Image 1 of 13: Joan Rivers in Los Angeles, 1965. Photo / AP

App users: Tap here to view gallery

- nzherald.co.nz