Richard Simmons’ staff share final post he made before death

Article content

Richard Simmons may have stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, but he did love to share his life on social media.

Article content

The late fitness icon had been working on a post prior to his death on July 13, which has since been released by his staff.

In the touching tribute, Simmons’ staff wrote on X on Saturday: “Richard worked very hard on his posts for you. He had many ideas and would work ahead … going back to each one making changes until he had it just like he wanted before posting.

“As you know, on the weekends, he would just share a photo with a caption,” detailing that “he always chose his photos and wrote his captions for the upcoming weekend by Friday.”

Article content

Article content

They then revealed they have the post Simmons planned to share with his fans on July 14 — the day after he died.

“We thought you’d want to see it.”

Simmons’ pre-written message said: “Let me fly you to the moon so we can gaze among the stars. Love, Richard.”

The photo that accompanied the fitting final post showed the grey-haired Sweatin’ to the Oldies star wearing a bright orange NASA space suit and standing in front of a brightly coloured wall.

Article content

Simmons’ private funeral came nearly a week after the fitness guru was found dead at the age of 76 at his home and just one day after his birthday.

“Our beloved Dicky was laid to rest this morning surrounded by only family and closest friends,” Simmons’ brother Lenny told People magazine via a statement provided by Simmons’ longtime publicist Tom Estey.

“We pray for your continued love and support during this very difficult time.”

He had posted on social media just hours before his death: “Hello, gorgeous! Please don’t rain on my parade,” and prior to that he thanked fans for their love and birthday wishes.

“Thank you … I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life!” he wrote. “I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday.”

In his last interview with People, he reflected on his decades-long career and retreat from the public eye.

“I feel good,” he said. “I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day. I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.”

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Play Video

Article content