See Richard Simmons’ final photo and inspiring message that he prepared before his death
Richard Simmons prepared a social media post for his fans before his death at age 76.
The late fitness star’s team released the post, which includes a photo of Simmons and a message from him, on Saturday.
They wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Hello everyone. 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,” his team continued. “He always chose his photos and wrote his captions for the upcoming weekend by Friday. So we have the post Richard planned to share with you last Sunday. We thought you’d want to see it.”
Simmons’ final post was planned for July 14. He died the day before.
In the photo, a gray-haired Simmons is seen smiling while wearing a bright orange NASA suit. He is standing in front of a colorful wall.
“Let me fly you to the moon so we can gaze among the stars. Love, Richard,” his caption read.
The weight-loss guru, whose real name was Milton Teagle Simmons, died on July 13 — just one day after his 76th birthday.
Simmons allegedly suffered a fall in his bathroom and refused to get medical help immediately despite his housekeeper’s concern.
He reportedly felt dizzy before his fall but wanted to stay home on his birthday.
At around 10 a.m. the next day, Simmons was found dead on the floor next to his bed.
The Post has since confirmed with the LA Medical Examiner’s Office that Simmons’ cause of death was deferred and is pending investigation.
The examination, which includes additional testing, can take up 3 months until an official ruling is determined.
Police reportedly don’t believe foul play was involved in Simmons’ death.
The late television personality was laid to rest Friday in Los Angeles at a private funeral attended by his family and closest friends.
He was buried at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary.
“Our beloved Dicky was laid to rest this morning surrounded by only family and closest friends,” his publicist, Tom Estey, told People on behalf of Simmons’ brother, Lenny. “We pray for your continued love and support during this very difficult time.”
Simmons rose to fame in the 1970s and ’80s after opening several gyms across the country and releasing his iconic high energy fitness tapes. He stepped away from the public eye a decade ago.
In March, Simmons revealed he was diagnosed with skin cancer.
“I feel good!” he told PEOPLE before his death. “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.”