The legendary Joan Rivers, 81, passed away in New York City on Sept. 4 It was supposed to be a somber occasion with guests mournfully remembering the passing of Joan Rivers during the funereal Jewish custom of 'sitting shiva,' a seven-day period after death when relatives and friends gather to remember a loved one. But this was, after all, the legendary Joan Rivers — and in the end, the Friday event in Los Angeles turned out to be a star-studded celebration filled with fun memories, irreverence and much laughter. 'It was weird to be at an event like that and have a good time, but I think Joan would probably want something like that,' one insider, a close friend of Joan and her daughter Melissa Rivers, tells MailOnline exclusively. 'It's not really a party, it's just more a celebration.'
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Legends such as Lily Tomlin, Don Rickles, Steve Lawrence and Betty Buckley gather in Los Angeles to celebrate the life and times of Joan Rivers
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Daughter Melissa was 'tearful' and 'numb' throughout the event as she was comforted by Hollywood guests
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Insiders say the mood was irreverent and joyful — just how Rivers would have wanted it
Starting With Me' — 'a huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action' and '@placeholder all the way.'