Richard Simmons continued to be a source of positivity and light, even in the days leading up to his death.
Simmons died on July 13, the day after his 76th birthday. An update is coming He gave an update on his health in March 2024, saying he was in “good health” at the time.
“I’ve been through a lot, but now all I see is a beautiful bright rainbow,” he told the outlet via email. [readers] I appreciate their concern for me and for me.”
The announcement of his cause of death has been postponed pending investigation and additional testing before a definitive explanation can be given for his death. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that “there was no criminal activity” in his death.
Richard Simmons buried surrounded by family and close friends
Fitness icon Richard Simmons passed away on July 13th. He was 76 years old. (Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
The TV personality and fitness instructor began his career in the 1970s when he opened his own training gym, Slimmon’s, in Los Angeles, where he taught aerobics and motivational classes throughout the week.
His popularity began to grow when he released his workout video series, “Sweatin’ to the Oldies,” and that popularity led to the premiere of his health and wellness-focused talk show, “The Richard Simmons Show,” in 1980.
Simmons strived to create an inclusive environment where people could work towards living the healthiest life possible, and his workout videos often featured normal-looking people rather than those who looked super healthy. His bright, positive personality, reflected in his colorful, sequined workout wear, helped make people feel comfortable without feeling intimidated.
“I’ve been through a lot, but now all I see is a beautiful, bright rainbow.”
“I guess I’m a good example of a chubby, fat, unhappy kid living in New Orleans, Louisiana, who had a dream, and now all my dreams are coming true,” he told Huell Howser in 1980.
In March 2024, the fitness icon announced on Facebook that she had been diagnosed with skin cancer after visiting a dermatologist after noticing a “strange swelling under her right eye” that wouldn’t go away.
Richard Simmons announced in March 2024 that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. (Getty Images)
Did you enjoy reading this? For more entertainment news click here
“I sat in his chair and he examined it with a magnifying glass. He said he had to scrape it and look at it under a microscope,” he wrote in the post. “Now I’m feeling a little anxious. He came back about 20 minutes later and said the C word: ‘You have cancer.'”
He later revealed that after three surgeries, doctors were able to remove all the cancer cells and he is officially cancer-free.
The final few months of Mr Symonds’ life hadn’t been the easiest but the fitness instructor was excited to celebrate his 76th birthday earlier this month, saying: “It’s been a great journey. People Magazine In an interview shortly before his death, he said he hoped he would be able to give back on his big day.
“I feel great! I’m grateful to be here and to be alive another day,” he told the outlet. “I plan to spend my birthday helping people, just like I do every day.”
Click here to sign up for our Entertainment Newsletter
Known for his eccentric personality, Richard Simmons became a fixture in the fitness industry in the 1980s. (Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
Fans of the workout enthusiast have seen less and less of Simmons in recent years, as he decided to take a step back from public life in 2014. In the days leading up to his death, Simmons found solace in knowing he’d been able to help so many people over the years.
“I decided to retire because my body was telling me I needed to retire,” Simmons told People magazine. “I took the time to reflect on my life — the books I’ve written, the videos I’ve made. I never thought, ‘Oh, look what I’ve done.’ I thought, ‘Oh, look how many people I’ve helped.'”
Click here to get the FOX News app
