Melissa Rivers Opens Up About Love, Laughter, And Life’s Journey

As the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s awards season continue, Fashion Police alum Melissa Rivers can’t help but analyze the red carpet with a critic's eye. "We saw elegance on one end of the spectrum, and on the other, we had those daring, sheer looks," Melissa tells Closer, reflecting on the outfits at the Golden Globe Awards. "It felt like there were cleavages everywhere!"

For over a decade, from 2002 to 2014, Melissa, now 56, walked the red carpet alongside her legendary mom, comedian Joan Rivers, for the TV show Fashion Police. "It was pure fun. My mom always said it was like the world's best cocktail party — you get two minutes with everyone and then move on," Melissa reminisces. This September will mark ten years since the passing of her beloved mother, a loss that still resonates deeply in Melissa's heart.

These days, Melissa finds herself in a serene chapter of her life. She’s hosting “Group Text,” an engaging entertainment and lifestyle podcast available on Apple. Her son, Cooper, has grown into adulthood. And in a twist that surprises even her, Melissa, who once vowed never to remarry, is now engaged to attorney Steve Mitchel. "We always joke that he keeps me grounded, and I make sure he doesn't take life too seriously," Melissa shares, reflecting on her relationship with Steve. "It’s a partnership filled with ease and no unnecessary stress."

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Before Melissa and Steve decided to move in together earlier this year, she had a heartfelt conversation with her son. "Cooper has only witnessed two other significant relationships in his life," she explains. "For so long, it’s just been me and him, navigating life together."

Cooper gave his blessing to Steve but advised caution. "He told Steve, 'Let’s not rush to the altar; we don’t want to scare her off,'" Melissa recounts with a chuckle. "I have to admit, my son knows me better than anyone!"

The wedding is tentatively set for 2025, and Melissa envisions a simple, joyful celebration. "We’re both adults who’ve already experienced grand weddings," she says. "This time, it’s all about celebrating our love and having fun. I might even wear navy blue — who says a wedding dress has to be white?"

Embracing Joy and Legacy

There’s no doubt that Joan would be thrilled to see Melissa radiating such happiness. "My mother instilled one crucial lesson in me, especially after losing my father: 'This too shall pass,'" Melissa reflects. "It’s a double-edged sword. First, it reminds us that we can overcome anything. Second, when life is good, we need to pause and appreciate it, because those moments won’t last forever."

In addition to her successful "Group Text" podcast, Melissa is also diving into a new book project. "I’m working on a book about Vegas in the '50s through the early '80s," she shares. "My parents collected interviews from that era in Vegas. I’m diving deep into those archives, curating them into something meaningful."

Humor in a Serious World

Melissa worries about the scarcity of laughter in today’s world. "We live in a culture consumed by fear, where everyone takes themselves too seriously," she laments. "It’s challenging to be funny these days because people are quick to take offense to everything."

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She’s grateful for the humor her parents nurtured in her from an early age. "In such tough times, humor is essential. It’s like taking a deep breath to keep from losing your mind," Melissa emphasizes. "My mom always believed that making someone laugh is like giving them a mini vacation. We all need that now more than ever."