E!'s THE FASHION POLICE to Continue Without Joan Rivers

THE FASHION POLICE will continue on without the late Joan Rivers.

E! made the announcement this afternoon, according to Deadline, just hours before its special airs tonight, featuring a guest appearance by Rivers' daughter, Melissa.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Joan Rivers and, for the last two weeks, have turned our attention to honoring her memory on all of our platforms. We have also thought long and hard about what Joan would have wanted as it pertains to the future of Fashion Police. We decided, with Melissa Rivers' blessing, that Joan would have wanted the franchise to continue. FASHION POLICE will return in 2015 commencing with Golden Globes coverage on Monday, January 12. No further details will be announced at this time."

followed by the 90-minute Fashion Police: Celebrating Joan special at 8/7c on E!

Joan Rivers passed away tragically earlier this month as the age of 81after suffering from complications while undergoing a throat operation in New York City on Aug. 28.

Following her death, her daughter Melissa released the following statement: "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother. She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother."

She continued: "Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received from around the world. They have been heard and appreciated. My mother's greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon."

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos