Richard Simmons has broken his 6-year silence, with his spokesperson telling The Post that the beloved fitness icon is “living the life he has chosen.”
Simmons’ rep, Tom Estey, spoke Friday following the release of a new documentary about the workout king’s sudden disappearance from the spotlight.
“Richard is eternally grateful for the continuous outpouring of love and gratitude he has received from across the Globe,” Estey told The Post. “He is happy, healthy and living the life he has chosen to live.”
On Wednesday, Simmons, 74, published his own short note to Facebook, simply saying: “Thank you, everyone, for your kindness and love. Love, Richard.”
Estey confirmed the message was personally composed by Simmons, and was his first public correspondence with fans in 6 years.
Simmons was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars for more than three decades before he suddenly disappeared from the public eye in 2014.
Interest in his sudden shunning of the spotlight has been reignited this week, following the release of the new doc “TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons.”
The special, streaming on Fox and Hulu, claimed issues with the star’s knees were behind the his sudden shunning of the spotlight.
Simmons hasn’t been seen in public since 2014, but he did phone the Today show back in 2016 to refute wild rumors that he was being held hostage by his housekeeper.
Meanwhile, fans were thrilled by Simmon’s Facebook message, which has already racked up close to 5,000 comment responses.
“I knew it was you, Richard!” one admirer swooned. “You are very much loved, please never doubt that. You have done so much good in so many people’s lives. Thank you for all that you have done and are still doing. None of us will ever forget you!”
Another chimed in: “We miss you Richard but hope you are doing what is right for you. You have given me so much joy for years, it is your time now, you deserve peace and happiness. Thank you for saving my life over and over again, I am forever grateful for you.”
