Jane Fonda pays tribute to Richard Simmons: 'He gave of himself, of his time, to make people happy'

Fonda repeatedly praised Simmons' generosity in her tribute, including one instance where Simmons “found out I was in a store where he was, so he quickly bought a little trinket and ran across the store, calling out in that unmistakable voice, to let me know that he was coming. That was generous.”

The actress added that – like many who knew Simmons – she lost touch with him as he withdrew from public life over the past decade. “Like many thousands of others, I have mourned his absence from my life,” Fonda added.

“I hope he felt the love that so many have been sending him over the last few years. I hope it made him happy. I read that he died peacefully in his sleep in his very white home. Rest in peace, dear Richard.”

Simmons, who had just celebrated his 76th birthday the day before his death on Saturday, died at his home in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been announced.

Lenny Simmons, his brother, wrote on Richard's social media accounts Sunday, “I don't want people to feel sorry for my brother. I want him to be remembered for the genuine joy and love he brought to people's lives. He really cared about people. He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help. So don't be sad. Celebrate his life! He was very excited about all the upcoming ventures he was working on. We are in shock. Respect the family at this difficult time.”