Melissa Rivers Speaks Out About Joan Rivers' Death for the First Time - Closer Weekly

Melissa Rivers publicly spoke out about her late mother, Joan Rivers, for the first time since the comedienne’s untimely death — and what she said was truly touching.

“My mother was fearless. And I don’t mean she didn’t have any fears, I mean that even though she was only 5’2, she stood tall and walked through it. And that’s what made her such a brilliant performer,” the TV personality began her speech at The Hollywood Reporter’s 2014 Women in Entertainment breakfast in LA on Dec. 10.

“She was willing to say what others were thinking and too frightened to admit. She made fun of herself first and foremost which gave her the right to joke about others. She never apologized for a joke, and no topic was taboo and she was fine with that,” Melissa, 46, continued.

Joan’s only daughter — who is mom to Cooper, 14 — concluded her speech with the following sentiment.

“If my mother were here this morning, she’d not only be grateful and proud, she would be beyond herself. She would be sitting at the table beaming, while very discreetly shoving croissants and silverware into her purse. On behalf of my mother — thank you so, so much. It’s an honor,” she said.