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Melissa Rivers Gives Speech Remembering Late Joan Rivers

Melissa Rivers Speech

Credit: Picture by: Jen Lowery / Splash News

Joan Rivers was remembered once again this week, when her daughter, Melissa Rivers, gave a touching, yet humorous, speech about her late mom at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Breakfast.

The eulogy touched on the comedienne’s memorable qualities, with a joke or two thrown in, just as Joan herself would’ve done, even in an emotional time. This is the first time Melissa has spoken publicly about her mother’s death.

Melissa Rivers and Joan Rivers

Picture by: Jackson Lee / Splash News

“I want to thank everyone for inviting me here this morning, and before we start, I’d like to point out that it is definitely a little intimidating to be in a room with the most beautiful, successful women in Hollywood,” Melissa began, quickly quipping, “But Angelina [Jolie], I just want you to know, I’m really very normal and accessible!”

From there, Melissa went onto praise her mom, while defending her habit of poking fun at fellow celebrities. “My mother was fearless,” she gushed. “And I don’t mean she didn’t have any fears. I mean that even though she was only 5’2″, she stood tall and walked through it. And that’s what made her such a brilliant performer. She was willing to say what others were thinking and too frightened to admit. She made fun of herself first and foremost, which gave her the right to joke about others. She never apologized for a joke, and no topic was taboo, and she was fine with that.”

In conclusion, Melissa added, “If my mother were here this morning, she’d not only be grateful and proud, she would be beyond herself. SHe would be sitting at the table beaming, while very discreetly shoving croissants and silverware into her purse. On behalf of my mother — thank you so, so much. It’s an honor.”

Joan died in September at the age of 81, due to complications from a minor throat procedure. It was recently announced that Kathy Griffin will be replacing her as the host of Fashion Police in 2015.

MORE LINKS

Melissa Rivers Opens Up About Medical Failings in Joan Rivers’ Death

Melissa Rivers Shares Heartfelt Message Following Joan Rivers’ Death

Joan Rivers’ Cause of Death Revealed

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