Donald Trump Saw Joan Rivers A Week Before Her Death: The Season 8 "Celebrity Apprentice" Star Will Be in Memoriam Episode

Donald Trump had a long-standing relationship with the late comedian Joan Rivers, therefore it would make sense that the billionaire would be angry and shocked of her untimely death.

When Trump announced the new cast of Celebrity Apprentice - which Joan was a part of in season 8 (2009) - he also spoke about his friend's death with Access Hollywood.

"I saw her a week before she died, and I said to somebody, 'Look at her. Look at the energy and enthusiasm and everything,' " she said of the 81-year-old E! Fashion Police star. "To think what happened is incredible, because a week before, I was pointing out the strength and the power of Joan. That's life."

Joan was under "light to moderate sedation," Mstars reported regarding the comedian's surgery that lead to her death. During the procedure, Rivers underwent an unplanned biopsy on her vocal cords -- performed by her private doctor -- which ultimately led to her death.

"It just would seem to me that the doctors did a terrible job," Trump, 68, said. "One week before she was phenomenal. I was with her! And then all of a sudden she's gone. I think the doctors made a terrible mistake."

The comedic legend's time on Celebrity Apprentice was one that fans remember well. Her motherly nature mixed with her strong disposition allowed for viewers to really get to know the late comedian's personal side. With this in mind, Trump felt it was necessary to bring Joan back to film a few scheduled episodes that included Joan for his new season of Celebrity Apprentice.  

"She was so incredible on these two episodes, it almost would have been unfair to take her out. And I think she would be very happy as she looks down and says, 'Good, I'm glad the left me in." Trump said of her Celebrity Apprentice memoriam episode.