Richard Simmons says he's 'not dying' after motivational social media post causes 'confusion'
Richard Simmons is apologizing after a motivational social media post drew concerns about his health.
In an X post Monday, the fitness coach wrote that he was “dying” without providing any additional context about his statement. “I have some news to tell you. Please don’t be sad. I am ….dying,” Simmons wrote. “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.”
Simmons went on to list his recommendations for a healthy life, including eating a “healthy breakfast," regular exercise, stretching before bedtime and telling “the ones that you love that you love them.”
“Why am I telling you this?” Simmons added. “Because I want you to enjoy your life to the fullest every single day. Get up in the morning and look at the sky… count your blessings and enjoy.”
Richard Simmons fans react to star’s social media post
The vagueness of Simmons’ post led to confusion among some fans, who expressed their well-wishes for the fitness personality in the comments section of his post.
“Sir, I didn’t know you were sick but I do know you are the most sincere star I’ve ever met,” @curious10665 wrote. “Bless you and all you’ve done for the world.”
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“You are an inspiration to us all,” @JPUncensored commented. “May God bless you with beautiful blue (skies), clean air and lots of love in your heart. Sending you prayers (and) healing energies. 🙏🏻💖✨”
“Mr. Simmons, you started the Healthy Revolution and you are a Legend,” @DanielleFHaney wrote. “May you find Peace in your journey, and may your days be filled with much happiness and surrounded by those who love you.”
Richard Simmons clarifies he’s ‘not dying’ after social media post
Simmons’ representative Tom Estey confirmed Simmons is in good health in an emailed statement to USA TODAY Monday.
“I can confirm with 100 percent certainty that Richard is not dying,” Estey said. “He’s in fact very healthy and happy. The sole purpose of the post was meant to be inspirational.”
Simmons apologized to fans for the mix-up in a follow-up post Monday afternoon and clarified the original post’s metaphorical meaning.
“Sorry many of you have gotten upset about my message today. Even the press has gotten in touch with me,” Simmons wrote. “I am not dying. It was a message about saying how we should embrace every day that we have. Sorry for this confusion.”