Joan Rivers's 'greatest legacy' is grandson Cooper, reveals daughter Melissa

It’s been four years already since Joan Rivers passed away at 81 years old. Despite her many accomplishments in her long career in the entertainment industry, her daughter Melissa thinks her greatest legacy was parenting.

Rivers had achieved an iconic status as actress, comedian and producer when she suddenly passed away on June 8, 2014 from complications during a surgical procedure she was undergoing on her throat.

On the occasion of the anniversary of her passing, her 50-year-old daughter Melissa gave an exclusive interview to People, and she expressed her admiration for her mother beyond her public persona, praising her parenting style.

Melissa, who is the mother of a 17-year-old named Cooper, told the news outlet that she honors her mother’s memory by following her example when it comes to parenting, and she believes that her own son is Joan’s ‘greatest legacy.’

‘The best legacy that I can give my mother — that everyone can give their parent — is to raise a good and decent child,” Melissa said.

‘One who gives back, and has a clear understanding of not just being good, but doing good, as well. Cooper is my mom’s greatest legacy,’ she shared.

It is clear that Melissa has been determined to raise her son in a way that her late mother would approve, but more than that, it appears to be something that’s natural for her.

‘I really notice my mom in my parenting. I’ll say something, and as soon as the words come out of my mouth, I’m like, “Wow. I sound just like my mom!'’ she said.

‘And then I hear my father coming out, too!’ she added, giving credit to her father Edgar Rosenberg.

‘I was a big negotiator when I was a teenager, and my son tries that, too. Every time I say, “This is not my negotiation,” I hear my father! He used to say that all the time!’ continued Melissa.

Despite this, Melissa thinks she is not too severe a mother to her teenage son, but she has a warning to Cooper if he crosses the line with her.

‘I’m very clear on what the rules are. I’m very clear that these are the parameters in which you may operate on. If you stay there, you’re good. If you don’t, your life will crash down around you,’ she said.

Melissa explained that she has made sure her son understand the opportunities his grandmother gave to the family, and she expects him to always give back to the community from his position of privilege.

Her son knows how fortunate he is to be given the opportunities that his family's fame affords him and his mother makes sure that he never loses sight of that.

"We're not entitled to anything," she explains and adds that her mother worked hard to achieve the type of life she wanted. Those are the same values that Melissa is teaching Cooper. Read more on our Twitter account @amomama_usa