Comedienne Joan Rivers has been placed on life support following her cardiac arrest and medically-induced coma earlier this week.
The 81-year-old controversial television personality is now unable to breathe unassisted, and her family may only have a few days to decide whether or not to keep Rivers on life support machines, reported TMZ online.
Her family apparently remain hopeful that if they continue with life support she will eventually make a recovery.
Support has flooded in for the enduring celebrity, who began her career in 1959. Celebrities including Charlie Sheen and Ellen DeGeneres have tweeted their well wishes to Rivers and her family.
Rivers' only daughter, Melissa Rivers, released a statement thanking the public for their support.
"My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world. Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery.
