Melissa Rivers was a perfect fit as honored guest at the annual Mamarazzi luncheon, hosted by The MOMS, Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein’s mother advocacy lifestyle brand. Not only one of the most famous of daughters, a mom herself, Melissa Rivers has a book out, The Book of Joan: Tales of Mirth, Mischief, and Manipulation. While Joan Rivers died unexpectedly, as we all know, a consequence of botched throat surgery, she still left her daughter clear instructions on what should happen should she die, and the reassurance that Melissa would get everything. That seems to include her mother’s hairdresser for the last ten years, Raymond Rosario, who deftly patted down Melissa’s sleek do, curling a stray strand, as she arrived at Juniper Bar, a chic Garment Center bistro.
Melissa Rivers fielded questions about the difficulties and relief of writing this book, about her son
Cooper, the apple of her mom’s eye, (Joan considered him an accessory, quipped Melissa), about the 76,000 jokes filed away on notecards that are now being archived. Mom’s best advice was, “This too shall pass,” a mantra serving for tragedies, disappointments, and good news alike. Joan Rivers loved to drive but drove scary badly. One of the few men in the room asked if Melissa was mindful of her mom’s gay followers. Yes, Melissa exuded. And what about Fashion Police? That’s coming back, Melissa announced. Then Melissa Rivers graciously signed books, assuring the crowd that though her mother’s voice could be heard through its pages, the perspective was her own. And no, she will never, ever do standup.
Regina Weinreich
Graphic Design: Salpeter Ventura
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