Richard Simmons Expressed Gratitude Just Days Before Passing Away

Published: 3:18 PM PDT, July 15, 2024

Richard Simmons, the legendary fitness guru, was known for being reclusive in recent years. However, just two days before his passing, he granted an interview, sharing insights about his life, legacy, and the profound influence he had on his myriad of admirers.

Simmons passed away on Saturday at his Los Angeles residence, a day after celebrating his 76th birthday. The exact cause of his death remains unknown.

In a candid phone interview with People magazine two days before his death, Simmons reflected on his birthday and expressed gratitude, stating, “I’m grateful I get to live another day.”

In addressing the speculations surrounding his health, Simmons revealed that he had been actively engaging with fans daily through emails and phone calls. He also disclosed that he had undergone surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma earlier in the year. “It was scary. But it never came back,” he said.

Reflecting on the impact of cancer, he shared, “So many people have cancer. I call them, I sing to them. ‘You’re gonna get through this. You just have to believe that.'” Simmons acknowledged missing his fans and shared that he stayed connected with them via calls and emails, occasionally leaving his house in disguise.

Beyond his fan interactions, Simmons was collaborating with songwriter and composer Patrick Leonard to develop a Broadway musical about his life. He proudly mentioned having written 14 songs for the show, which traces his journey from his childhood in New Orleans, selling pralines at a candy store, to his decision to retire.

Stepping back from the limelight was not an easy decision for Simmons, even after years of reflection.

“When I retired, I thought someone else was going to take my place. That somebody would open up studios for people who needed to lose weight or didn’t feel good about themselves, but I haven’t seen that,” he mused. “I mean, there’s always been places for fit people.”

Despite his unparalleled life and contribution, Simmons downplayed being labeled as irreplaceable.

“I don’t hear the word legend. I don’t hear the word icon,” he remarked. “I never lived a celebrity life. I never thought of myself as a celebrity.”

He continued, “People don’t know this, I’m really a shy person and a little bit of an introvert. But when that curtain goes up, that’s a different story. I’m there to make people happy.” While responding to fan emails, he often reminded them of their own worth, saying, “Don’t say that because I’m a human being just like you. And I know that you do good things, too.”

Simmons’ influence on his fans will undoubtedly persist. In what would be his final interview, he shared a poignant lyric he had recently written, now carrying a deeper resonance after his passing.

“How do you deal with loss? It takes a toll on your heart. Some shed many tears, others stare at the sky. It’s so hard to say goodbye. Here is what I know when it’s time for us to go, beautiful angels will greet us with a smile and a hello.”