Comedienne Joan Rivers remains in a “serious condition” at a New York hospital after the 81 year old reportedly stopped breathing during throat surgery. The 'Fashion Police' host has been in a medically induced coma since Thursday and her daughter Melissa is now said to be awaiting the news of a doctor’s report.

Joan RiversJoan Rivers is said to be in a medically induced coma since Thursday

In a statement released on Friday afternoon Melissa Rivers said, “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.”

Melissa who along with her son Cooper shares her California home with Joan, immediately rushed to her mother’s side upon learning of her hospitalisation. The comedienne was undergoing what was thought to be a ‘minor throat procedure’ when she was said to have gone into cardiac respiratory arrest.

More: Joan Rivers' Daughter Awaits Doctor's Report On Her Mother's Progress

A source close to the family has told the New York Daily News that Melissa now faces a possible ‘life or death’ decision depending on what an update from the doctors says. The source states that Rivers “would never want to be a burden on anyone. If she can’t recover and live a full and active life, she would rather be gone.”

Doctors are said to be still unsure about how long Rivers went without breathing, and are trying to assess how long her brain was starved of oxygen.

Beginning her career in the late 1950s, Rivers first rose to prominence after appearing as a guest on 'The Tonight Show' in 1965. Her particular comic style, which pokes fun at celebrities and herself has seen her enjoy a career spanning over 60 years. Most recently Rivers has hosted 'Fashion Police' on the E! channel alongside Giuliana Rancic and Kelly Osbourne.