Richard Simmons said loss 'takes a toll on your heart' in final interview before death

Just two days before his death, Richard Simmons reflected on the loss in his final interview. On Monday, People published an interview with the late fitness guru who died of apparent natural causes in Los Angeles on July 13.

During the interview, Simmons revealed that he was working to turn his life story — his work on television and as a fitness guru with his youth “selling pralines in New Orleans” — into a Broadway show. He shared that while he was working on it, every week, he would “write a sound” to give to songwriter Patrick Leonard.

“How do you deal with loss? It takes a toll on your heart,” he said in the interview, seemingly reading his audio for the week. “Some shed many tears, others look to the sky. It's so hard to say goodbye. Here's what I know when it's time to leave, beautiful angels will greet us with a smile and a hello.”

People Journalist Jason Schiller responded by sharing that he and Simmons' fans had “missed him” since his abrupt exit from the public eye in 2014.

“I know the world misses me. And you know what? I miss them too,” Simmons replied. “But I can reach them through phone calls … and through email. And I leave the house sometimes. But I'm in disguise.”

Sheeler shared that during the interview, which took place the day before Simmons' birthday, Simmons sang “Happy Birthday” to himself while doing a Marilyn Monroe impersonation. “I'll always be the court jester,” he said in the report, later adding, “I'll always goof around… When the curtain goes up, I'm there to make people happy.”

According to TMZ who first reported the news of his death, the LAPD responded to his home Saturday morning after a housekeeper called him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. According to authorities, foul play is not suspected and he appears to have died of natural causes.

Simmons has dedicated his life to helping others be healthy through books and commercials. In the 70s and 80s, he opened several gyms that catered to those who wanted to get in shape, including The Anatomy Asylum. His popular exercise tapes and DVDs—including his “Sweatin' to the Oldies” series—featured him in his trademark striped short shorts and sparkly T-shirts, providing fitness motivation with his exuberant personality.

In March 2024, he revealed on Facebook that he was diagnosed with skin cancer and later shared that after visiting a doctor the cancer cells were eliminated. “Basal cell carcinoma, it was scary. But he never came back. So many people have cancer,” he said People. “I call them, I sing to them. “You will get over this. You just have to believe that.”

The news of his health came just days after he had written a post saying he was dying, which clarified to mean that everyone should “embrace every day we have”. In his own original posthe shared the same positive advice he had dedicated his life to.

“Every day you're alive you have to move. Whether you're standing or sitting, you need to move your body every day. Start with stretching, then cardio and strength,” she wrote. “There is something else very important that you must do. Tell the ones you love that you love them. Hug those people and kids you really care about. A big hug really goes a long way.”