MELISSA OPENS UP

Melissa Rivers talks adoption possibilities and more with In Touch.

It’s been more than two years since the heartbreaking loss of her mom, Joan, and Melissa Rivers has managed not only to carry on but to find things to look forward to. “There’s lots of new stuff on deck,” she says. “I have a book coming out in September, and we have a full slate of Fashion Police through the end of the year.” But work isn’t the only thing keeping the mom of 16-year- old son Cooper excited for the future. Melissa, 49, who recently teamed up with Allergan for their “Eyepowerment” campaign, tells In Touch’s Diana Cooper that her relationship with talent agent Mark Rousso is still going strong after two and a half years — and more kids could be in the cards!

Hoda Kotb recently announced that she adopted a child at age 52 — would you ever consider doing that? MR: I’d love to adopt! I’d love to have another child. Maybe one day.

Would you like a girl? MR: I don’t know. I only know what it’s like to be a boy’s mom, but I think it would be fun.

You and Mark have been together for more than two years — any wedding plans? MR: Oh God, no. Everyone keeps asking me that! No. I’m in a good place and just trying to enjoy the moment.

What makes your relationship work? MR: We laugh together all the time. We have the same humor and the same values. Do you think your mom would approve of Mark? MR: As much as she ever approved of anybody! [ Laughs]

Would you say parenting has become easier or more difficult now that he’s older? MR: Oh, parenthood is a daily challenge! [ Laughs] The bigger the kid, the bigger the problem. It doesn’t get easier, but it is certainly always rewarding! We already hit one milestone this year when he got his driver’s permit.

How exciting! You two always had a close relationship. Is it still that way? MR: Well, he is 16, so you know…i think I want to hang out with him more than he wants to hang out with me. I just keep reminding myself that that’s normal, and it means I’ve done a good job so far.

OK, we have to ask — you’re 49 and you look great! What’s your secret? MR: Well, every day I hear how much plastic surgery I’m having, and I haven’t — I’m actually just getting sleep and staying hydrated! If I’m putting any doctors’ kids through college, it’s my therapist’s! ◼

REMEMBERING JOAN “I miss her every day,” Melissa has said of her late mom, Joan, who passed away in 2014 from complications during throat surgery. MAMA BEAR “I tell him to be a good person, and to treat people the way you want to be treated,” she has said of her son, Cooper (dad is ex-husband John Endicott).

LOVE AFTER LOSS Melissa and Mark’s friendship turned into more shortly after her mom died. “He’s a good guy,” she has said.