A Beloved Joan Rivers Fire Survival Keepsake by Melissa Rivers

The 56-year-old shared an update on social media, confirming that she and her family were safe, but her home was destroyed.

Melissa Rivers joins a growing list of celebrities who have lost their homes in widespread fires throughout the Los Angeles area.

The TV personality and producer shared the heartbreaking news during an interview with CNN on Wednesday.

“To be 100 percent honest, I got my mom’s Emmy Award, a picture of my dad, and a drawing my mom did of me and my son,” Melissa said. Joan, who died in 2014 at the age of 81, won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1990 for her talk show “The Joan Rivers Show.”

Reflecting on her quick decision-making during the evacuation, Melissa noted the unique emotional weight of her choices. “It’s amazing what she grabs. It’s amazing what she takes out,” said the 56-year-old. “I chose a drawing of my mother rather than a photo because I know I can find pictures. (Drawing) I can’t replace.”

In addition to these sentimental items, Melissa described how she worked through a “mental checklist” to gather essentials such as passports, birth certificates, medications, clothing and pet supplies. Despite her preparations, she admitted she was stunned by the seriousness of her situation. “I was just shopping for clothes, and it started to occur to me that we carry what we carry on our backs,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.

Melissa urged viewers to prioritize important documents and essentials when facing eviction.

“The most important thing is to get all your ‘cards’ together,” she stressed. However, the loss of her home and widespread destruction left her devastated. She said: “My heart is very broken, not only for me, but for everyone who is going through this ordeal.” “It’s a city, and it’s been wiped off the map.”

Earlier in the week, Melissa shared an update on social media, confirming that she and her family are safe.

“My family and I were evacuated safely, and we are so grateful we were not harmed,” she wrote on Instagram. “I am deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the fires, which tragically destroyed my home. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the brave firefighters and first responders who tirelessly risk their lives to protect our communities and save lives.

Melissa’s home, a 7,048-square-foot Mediterranean-style estate in Santa Monica, was purchased after she sold her previous residence in Pacific Palisades in 2018. Architectural Digest in 2020showcasing its elegant design and personal touches.

As of Thursday, January 9, more than 100,000 Los Angeles residents remain under evacuation orders.

Officials reported that thousands of buildings had been reduced to rubble, and while the death toll was initially reported at five, the exact number remains uncertain due to the fast-moving and unpredictable nature of wildfires.