Reclusive Richard Simmons apologises for saying he’s ‘dying’ in bizarre post

TV personality Richard Simmons was forced to apologise after telling his fans he was “dying” in a bizarre Facebook post.

Richard Simmons said he was ‘dying’ in a bizarre Facebook post. Picture: Moses Robinson/Getty Images

Richard Simmons has apologised for saying he was “dying” in a bizarre Facebook post.

The TV and fitness personality clarified his comments made on the platform on Monday in a follow-up post after causing confusion among his many fans.

“Sorry many of you have gotten upset about my message today. Even the press has gotten in touch with me. I am not dying,” he wrote on his official page.

“It was a message about saying how we should embrace every day that we have. Sorry for this confusion. Love, Richard.”

Just hours prior, Simmons told his fans he was “dying”, urging them to live their life to the fullest.

“I have some news to tell you. Please don’t be sad. I am ….dying,” the reclusive fitness guru, 75, began in his lengthy message. “Oh I can see your faces now. The truth is we all are dying. Every day we live we are getting closer to our death.

“Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to enjoy your life to the fullest every single day,” he continued. “Get up in the morning and look at the sky… count your blessings and enjoy.”

Simmons then shared several wellness tips with his followers, urging them to eat a healthy diet and move their bodies daily.

“Every day that you are alive you have got to move,” he added. “Whether it is standing or sitting you have got move your body every day. Start with stretching then cardio and strength.”

Simmons said he was ‘dying’ in his initial Facebook post.

Simmons, of course, plugged his famous workout videos as an easy way to stay in shape.

Along with leading a healthy lifestyle, Simmons also encouraged his fans to focus on their relationships with friends and family.

“There is something else very important that you must do. Tell the ones that you love that you love them,” he wrote. “Hug those people and children who you really care for. A big hug really goes a long way.”

Simmons is famous for his eccentric workout videos. Picture: Moses Robinson/Getty Images

The TV Personality has lived a reclusive life since taking a step back from the spotlight in 2014. Picture: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

“If you have time I want you to listen to a terrific song. It is by Tim McGraw it is called Live Like You Were Dying,” he concluded. “Live today and don’t forget to pray.”

Simmons did not share any details about his health.

The Sweatin’ to the Oldies host took a step back from the public eye in 2014. While his disappearance concerned many fans, a 2017 police investigation proved that there was no foul play in his sudden vanishing — despite rumours that he had been kidnapped by his housekeeper.

Upon retreating from the spotlight, there were rumours Simmons was kidnapped by his housekeeper. Picture: Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Then in January 2024, he issued a rare public statement condemning a new biopic about his life.

“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read,” he wrote on Facebook at the time.

Simmons noted that he no longer has a manager or a publicist because he prefers “to live a quiet life and be peaceful.”

“Thank you for all your love and support. Richard,” he signed off.

This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission