Audra McDonald, Hugh Jackman Sing at Joan Rivers Funeral; Peters, Chenoweth & More B'Way Stars in Attendance

In her 2012 book "I Hate Everyone ... Starting With Me," comedian Joan Rivers shared that she hoped her funeral would be "a huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action" and "Hollywood all the way." Boy did she get what she wished for.

The legendary comedienne's funeral was held yesterday, September 7th at New York City's Temple Emanu-El. Following an opening prayer from the officiating rabbi, six-time Tony award winner Audra McDonald performed a moving version of the Nat King Cole classic, "Smile," reportedly one of Rivers' favorites songs.

Also present to sing before the over two-thousand mourners was Broadway's Hugh Jackman. The 'Les Mis' star, who will soon make his return to Broadway in 'The River,' sang "Quiet Please, There's a Lady on Stage," a song written by Peter Allen from the musical "The Boy From Oz.".

The eulogy was delivered by radio host Howard Stern, who according to Deadline, quipped that he hoped "Joan is somewhere chasing Johnny Carson with a baseball bat." He later called the comic, a "friend to the world."

At the onset of the ceremony, The Gay Men's Chorus performed a medley of Broadway hits in honor of Rivers' love and support of the theater community. Other Broadway luminaries in attendance were Bernadette Peters, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming and Tommy Tune. KATHY Griffin, Kelly Osbourne; Sarah Jessica Parker and Whoopi Goldberg, celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, record producer Clive Davis, fashion designers Carolina Herrera and Michael Kors, Barbara Walters, Geraldo Rivera, Diane Sawyer, Kathie Lee, Hoda Kotb and Andy Cohen, 'Letterman band leader Paul Shaffer, Donald Trump and Steve Forbes were also present to pay their respects.

Rivers died on Thursday at the age of 81. The cause of death is currently under investigation. She was hospitalized on Aug. 28 after she went into cardiac arrest during a routine procedure at a doctor's office.

Her publicist shared that at the family's request, donations can be made to God's Love, We Deliver; Guide Dogs for the Blind; or Our House in lieu of sending flowers.

Source: Thepatriot.com

Source: Billboard.com

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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