Melissa Rivers, 56, is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of her family’s history after her home was destroyed in the L.A. wildfires.
In an interview with CNN on Wednesday, Jan. 8, she shared an update, reassuring that her family is safe. Melissa also reflected on the few items she managed to save and the irreplaceable belongings left behind in the devastation.
“In my personal situation, that’s it. That is the end of everything that belonged to my family and the history of it,” Melissa said talking about her mom Joan Rivers and her Dad Edgar Rosenberg. Her mom died in 2014 and her father passed away in 1987.
“To be 100% honest, I grabbed my mom’s Emmy, a photo of my Dad and a drawing that my mother had done of…my son and I,” she said. “And dog food, cat food and that was it.”
“It’s amazing what you grab, it’s amazing what you take. I went for a drawing of my mother’s rather than a photo, because I know I can find the drawing I can’t replace.”
Melissa Rivers, whose home was destroyed by the fires, says she grabbed the necessities and “my mom's Emmy, a photo of my dad and a drawing my mother had done of me and my son…I went for a drawing of my mother's rather than a photo, because I know I can find the photos.” pic.twitter.com/YyIBXzbRYb
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 9, 2025
She went on, “My heart is so broken, not just for myself, but for everybody going through this.”
As a seasoned L.A. resident, Melissa relied on a “mental checklist” to prioritize what to take with her. She ensured essential items like passports, birth certificates, medications, and clothing were safely gathered before evacuating.
“I just was out shopping for clothes, it started to hit me that … we literally just have what’s on our backs.”
Melissa initially announced the heartbreaking news of losing her home to the wildfires in an Instagram post on Jan. 8.
“My family and I have safely evacuated and we are deeply grateful to be unharmed. I am heartbroken by the devastation caused by the fires, which have tragically destroyed my home.”
“I want to express my profound gratitude to the courageous firefighters and first responders who are tirelessly risking their lives to protect our communities and save lives.”
Melissa Rivers (born January 20, 1968) is an American television host, producer, and actress, widely recognized as the daughter of legendary comedian Joan Rivers and producer Edgar Rosenberg. Melissa rose to prominence alongside her mother as co-host of red-carpet events for E! and the TV Guide Channel, where their sharp humor and fashion critiques became a cultural phenomenon. She later produced and starred in Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, a reality show that offered a glimpse into their unique mother-daughter relationship.
Beyond her television career, Melissa is an accomplished author, releasing The Book of Joan: Tales of Mirth, Mischief, and Manipulation in 2015, a heartfelt tribute to her mother. She’s also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting causes like Guide Dogs for the Blind and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. Melissa is the proud mother of one son, Cooper.
