Why Liza Minnelli had to miss Joan Rivers’ funeral: “I can’t walk. I’m in bed. Going in for surgery”

Joan Rivers’ funeral on Sunday in New York City was a star-studded affair but one star who was surprisingly not in attendance was Liza Minnelli.

The two showbiz icons, both huge favorites of the gay community, had been longtime friends and only a broken back could keep Minnelli from the service.

The Oscar winner explained to New York Post columnist Cindy Adams: ‘I couldn’t go to Joan Rivers’ funeral, which I desperately wanted to because I loved her – but I couldn’t go because I can’t walk. I’m in bed. Going in for surgery.’

Minnelli, who has had various physical ailments in recent years, told Adams that she had broken her lower back.

‘Remember a few years ago I was in a wheelchair because I had trouble with my spine? They operated on it then. Well, now, again. They’ll have to fuse it.’

In a statement last week on the day of Rivers’ death Minnelli said: ‘Joan was my dear friend and I will miss her but I will always remember the laughter and friendship she brought into my life.’