Joan Rivers
Joan Rivers' family is staying positive as she remains on life support. Reuters

Legendary comedian Joan Rivers remains on life support, her daughter Melissa said in a statement to E! News Tuesday. The gradual process to “wake up” the “Fashion Police” star reportedly started Sunday, and Rivers was supposed to be conscious by Tuesday, the New York Daily News reported.

"At this time she does remain on life support," Melissa Rivers said. "I know my mother would be overwhelmed by the continued outpouring of kindness, and I want to thank everyone for keeping us in their prayers." She added: "On behalf of my mother and our family, we are extremely grateful for all the love and support we've received.”

Joan Rivers
Joan Rivers' daughter Melissa is apparently "in denial" about her mother's condition. Reuters

The production of “Fashion Police” came to a halt after the comedian’s sudden hospitalization last week. "We will not be producing a 'Fashion Police' this week or next as we await Joan and Melissa's return in front and behind the camera," the network said in a statement Tuesday. "E! will be airing two 'E! From Fashion Week' specials that will deliver the latest news and information from the highly anticipated event."

The comedian stopped breathing during a procedure at a doctor’s office in New York City Thursday. There were rumors the procedure was botched and the family wants to take legal action.

Though Rivers’ condition is apparently grim, Melissa is “in denial.” “She still thinks everything is going to be OK. She is refusing to admit that a world might exist without her mother in it,” a source told the New York Daily News. “Others that are close to Joan are starting to realize that the outcome they want is very unlikely.”

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