Teresa Level, who worked as Richard Simmons’ housekeeper and companion, shared insights about the final year of the late fitness icon in her first broadcast interview. She emphasized their unique bond, remarking that Simmons was genuinely happy in the months leading up to his death on July 13, 2024.
Level began her journey with Simmons in 1988 and addressed rumors suggesting she was responsible for his retreat from the public eye. She laughed off such claims, playfully asserting, “No, I think he invited me!”
In her reflections, she recounted how Simmons described his last weeks as seeing only a “beautiful bright rainbow.” Although their relationship was not romantic, she expressed a deep emotional connection, saying, “He fell in love with me right away.” For her, he was like a brother, a father, a friend, and, in many ways, a partner.
When asked about Simmons’ sexual orientation—something he never publicly declared—Level opted not to comment. However, she suggested he never loved anyone in the same way he did her, highlighting the complexity of their relationship.
She remarked that Simmons was not happy about aging, despite being full of life. Regretfully, she discovered Simmons after his passing, calling that day “crazy and sad,” yet recalling that he was “very, very happy” in their time together, stating she had never seen him upset during their 36 years together.
In a message shared after Simmons’ death, a longtime friend described him as someone to celebrate for his humanity and kindness. During the days leading up to his death, Simmons fell and spent time in bed. Two days later, authorities found him unresponsive in his bedroom, declaring him dead at the scene.
His death was attributed to a blunt traumatic injury, later categorized as an accident, with atherosclerotic cardiovascular issues noted as contributing factors. Level shared her last moments with Simmons, noting he seemed peaceful when she found him, reflecting on their prior conversations about health issues and emphasizing the connection they had shared.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed there were no signs of foul play in Simmons’ passing. Overall, Level’s portrayal provides a glimpse into the deep, albeit unconventional, bond she shared with Simmons, a man whose influence and joy touched many lives.
