Richard Simmons’ haunting final social media post.
Richard Simmons, the hyperactive court jester of physical fitness, died at 76.
From overweight teen to fitness guru.
Simmons, once a 268-pound teen, transformed into a fitness legend.
He hosted the Emmy-winning “Richard Simmons Show” and authored best-sellers.
His “Deal-A-Meal” diet plan and “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” videos were hits.
Simmons’ personality was as vibrant as his exercise routines.
“My food plan and diet are just two words – common sense,” he told the AP in 1982.
“I want to help people and make the world a healthier, happy place.”
Regular on TV shows.
His flamboyant flair made him a regular on TV shows but also a target for pranks.
David Letterman and Howard Stern often teased Simmons, sometimes to tears.
Eddie Murphy even parodied Simmons in “The Nutty Professor.”
Simmons’ response to silliness: “Being silly cures depression.”
He added, “But in between that silliness is a lot of seriousness that makes sense.”
Legendary trainer passes away.
Known for his trademark tank tops and short shorts, Simmons passed away from natural causes.
The fitness guru died at his home in Los Angeles on a sunny Saturday.
Health issues revealed.
Earlier this year, in March, Simmons revealed he had a skin diagnosis.
His recent absence from public life had sparked speculation about his health.
Publicist confirms death.
Simmons’ publicist, Tom Estey, confirmed the news via email to The Associated Press.
Details were scarce, but the cause of death was reported as natural causes.
Simmons’ death was first reported by TMZ, causing a flurry of tributes online.
Authorities respond to home.
Los Angeles police and fire departments responded to Simmons’ house.
The address matched Simmons’ through public records.
The man declared dead from natural causes was indeed Richard Simmons.
Haunting last post revealed.
Just five hours before his death, Simmons shared a haunting social media post.
On July 13, at 3:53 pm, Simmons posted, “Hello gorgeous! Please don’t rain on my parade.”
This cryptic message was a line from the 1964 musical Funny Girl.
Fans were quick to comment on the eerie timing of his final post.
Chilling comment from follower exposed.
One follower wrote, “Yikes! 5 hrs ago posting messages & gone just like that. You seriously never know.”
Another added, “Umm, this is haunting if this post was shortly before you passed. Rest in peace.”
A third commenter noted, “Wow…he’d have to have gone shortly after posting this.”
A fourth mused, “Maybe this post was his way of saying goodbye?”
His impact on the fitness world remains unmatched.
Richard Simmons, a true icon, left a legacy that will continue to inspire.