Current:Home > ContactInside Richard Simmons' Final Days Before Death -Nova Finance Academy
Inside Richard Simmons' Final Days Before Death
View
Date:2025-04-18 08:02:51
Richard Simmons continues to be an inspiration.
After the fitness icon died at the age of 76, fans are getting a glimpse into his final days—including how he celebrated his birthday on July 12.
"I'm grateful I get to live another day," Richard told People in his final interview, conducted July 11, two days before his death. And as he explained, his 76th birthday plans included sticking on candle in a zucchini. "You know I'm a vegetarian."
He also sang himself happy birthday and shared a positive message with his fans.
"Today is a beautiful day," Richard said. "But nothing's really different. I got up this morning. I said my prayers, I counted my blessings, and then I went to work."
The Sweatin' to the Oldies host shared that he was in the midst of writing a Broadway musical about his upbringing and stardom—and he'd already "written 14 songs for" it alongside composer Patrick Leonard.
"The whole show is about my life," he explained, "from selling pralines in New Orleans at a candy store when I was a kid, to when I decided to retire. Every week, I write an audio."
He even gave a short reading of what he'd written that week.
"How do you deal with loss?" Richard said, reading the song's lyrics. "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."
Yet, Richard knew his ultimate goal in life was to make those around him smile, as he noted while reflecting on his legacy.
"I'll always be the court jester," he said. "I'll always be fooling around. When the curtain goes up, I'm there to make people happy."
And while the wellness guru admitted that he did step back from public life, he took issue with the idea that he disappeared, especially as he maintained relationships with his fans via fan mail, emails and even phone calls to those in need.
"When I decided to retire, it was because my body told me I needed to retire," he explained. "I have spent time just reflecting on my life. All of the books I wrote, the videos. I never was like, 'Oh look what I've done.' My thing was, 'Oh, look how many people I helped.'"
In fact, Richard never saw himself as a "legend" or an "icon." Instead, his focus was spreading joy and supporting those around him.
And that kindness is something Richard has extended throughout his life, most recently to his fans on social media, where he would host regular conversations and engage with them in the comments.
"Peace to all of you," he wrote on Facebook July 7, "and remember…All you need is love."
Still, he was never above poking fun at himself, sharing a video on June 26 from The Richard Simmons Show in 1982 and writing, "Wanted to make you laugh today."
And that joy and love is what his brother Lenny Simmons hopes people remember most about Richard.
"I don't want people to be sad about my brother," Lenny said in a July 13 statement to E! News. "I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people's lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote, and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help. So don't be sad. Celebrate his life."
Keep reading to see more of Richard's legendary life.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (18)
Related
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- Hershey unveils Reese’s Caramel Big Cup, combines classic peanut butter cup with caramel
- North Carolina Democrat says he won’t seek reelection, cites frustrations with GOP legislature
- Classes on celebrities like Taylor Swift and Rick Ross are engaging a new generation of law students
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- How Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West's video cover letter landed him the gig: Watch the video
- Is the Beatles' 'Now and Then' about Paul McCartney? Is it really the last song?
- USC quarterback Caleb Williams addresses crying video after loss to Washington
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Michigan man cleared of sexual assault after 35 years in prison
Ranking
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- RHOP's Karen Huger Reveals Health Scare in the Most Grand Dame Way Possible
- This physics professor ran 3,000 miles across America in record time
- Nonprofits making progress in tackling homelessness among veterans, but challenges remain
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Houseboats catch fire on a lake popular with tourists, killing 3 in Indian-controlled Kashmir
- What is the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal? We break it down.
- Aldi can be a saver's paradise: Here's how to make the most of deals in every aisle
Recommendation
A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
'Cake Boss' Buddy Valastro returns to TV with two new shows, update on injured hand
SpaceX launches its 29th cargo flight to the International Space Station
Suspected Islamic extremists holding about 30 ethnic Dogon men hostage after bus raid, leader says
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Vivek Ramaswamy’s approach in business and politics is the same: Confidence, no matter the scenario
Jezebel's parent company shuts down feminist news website after 16 years
'Special talent': Kyler Murray's Cardinals teammates excited to have him back vs. Falcons