Joan Rivers’ Private Funeral a Star-Studded Event

Joan Rivers’ daughter, Melissa Rivers, and Melissa’s son, Cooper Endicott, 13, arrive for Joan Rivers’ memorial service at Temple Emanu-El on Sept. 7, 2014, in New York City. Rivers died on Sept. 4 after suffering respiratory and cardiac arrest during vocal cord surgery on Aug. 28. (Photo: D Dipasupil, Getty Images)

There was no red carpet, but Joan Rivers’ funeral was an A-list event.

Howard Stern, Donald Trump, Kristin Chenoweth,Whoopi Goldberg, Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb,Kelly Osbourne and Barbara Walters were among the stars spotted arriving at Rivers’ funeral Sunday at Temple Emanu-El on the Upper East Side. Mourners wore “Joan Ranger” badges — star-shaped pins reminiscent of police badges to honor the Fashion Police star.

The service was private, but upon its conclusion bagpipers streamed out of the temple and played several songs including New York, New York while guests made their exit. Kotb said that Stern, who delivered the eulogy, did an amazing job. About 500 spectators and at least 100 media lined the streets outside.

Among them was James Wheeler, 30, who was wearing a lively outfit as a tribute to Rivers.

“Keep it bright, keep it exciting, like she lived her life,” Wheeler said. “I hope that she would like (my outfit) it’s a little non-traditional.”

“Like her, I don’t believe in political correctness. Say what you have to say,” said Kolu Baysah. “I really didn’t come to say goodbye. She didn’t believe in goodbyes. I came to say hello.”

Click here to continue reading.

SOURCE: USA Today – Alison Maxwell and Carly Mallenbaum