Richard Simmons’ brother Lenny has some advice for the fitness guru’s fans.
“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” he said People.
“I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought into people’s lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career offering help.
“So don’t be sad. Celebrate his life,” Lenny continued.
Simmons died on July 13 at the age of 76, just one day after his birthday. The news came as a shock to everyone who knew the vibrant celebrity, both in real life and from afar.
Richard Simmons’ brother Lenny has some advice for fans of the fitness guru, pictured here in 2008
Lenny said Simmons, who recently found a new audience on Twitter, has several projects in development that he’s excited about after decades of being out of the public eye.
“He was very excited about all of his upcoming ventures that he was working on,” Lenny told the outlet, adding, “We are in shock. Please respect the family during this difficult time.”
TMZ broke the news on Saturday, July 13, about the death of the instructor of Sweatin’ to the Oldies.
He was found in his Los Angeles home. No foul play is suspected.
Tom Estey, Simmons’ publicist, confirmed Richard’s death, saying, “The world has lost an angel.”
Before his death, Simmons shared his birthday plans with People, saying he wanted to celebrate as a single man and that he definitely wouldn’t be eating cake.
“But the candle will probably be on a zucchini. You know, I’m a vegetarian,” he said, adding that he would try “maybe one Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie.”
“I feel good! I’m grateful to be here, to live another day. I’m going to spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is helping people,” he said in a prescient moment.
Richard has been out of the public eye since 2014 and closed his fitness studio Slimmons in 2016.
“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” he told People . “I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love that he brought into people’s lives,” pictured here in 2008
“He really cared about people. He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career offering help.” “So don’t be sad. Celebrate his life,” Lenny continued. Pictured in 2013
Simmons died on July 13 at the age of 76 – one day after his birthday. The news came as a shock to everyone who knew the bubbly celebrity, both in real life and from afar, as pictured in 2008
After winning over a fan base with his infectious enthusiasm and positivity, Simmons stepped back from the spotlight in 2014.
Richard wrote a message on Facebook for his fans on his birthday.
‘Thank you…I’ve never had so many messages about my birthday!’
‘I’m sitting here writing emails. Have a wonderful rest of your Friday. Love, Richard.’