Richard Simmons’ brother speaks out to fans after death at 76

Richard Simmons‘ brother Lenny has some words of advice for the fitness guru’s fans.

‘I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,’ he told People.

‘I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. He truly 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,’ Lenny continued.

Simmons’ died on July 13 at 76, just one day after his birthday. The news came as a shock to all who knew the bubbly celebrity both in real life and from afar.

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Lenny mentioned that Simmons, who recently found a new audience on Twitter, had several projects in development that he was excited about after decades out of the public eye. 

‘He was very excited about all of his upcoming ventures he was working on,’ Lenny told the outlet, adding, ‘We are in shock. Please respect the family at this difficult time.’

TMZ broke the news of the Sweatin’ to the Oldies’ instructor’s death on Saturday, July 13.

He was found at his Los Angeles home and no foul play is suspected. 

Simmons’ longtime publicist, Tom Estey, confirmed Richard’s death, saying: ‘The world has lost an angel.’

Prior to his death, Simmons shared his birthday plans with People, saying he planned to keep it single and he definitely would not be eating any cake.

‘But the candle will probably be on a zucchini. You know, I’m a vegetarian,’ he said, adding that he would try ‘maybe one Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie.’

‘I feel good! I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day. I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people,’ he said in a prescient moment.

Richard has been out of the public eye since 2014 – and he closed his fitness studio Slimmons in 2016. 

After winning a legion of fans with his infectious enthusiasm and positivity, Simmons stepped away from the limelight in 2014. 

Richard took to Facebook on his birthday to pen a note to his fans. 

‘Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! 

‘I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday. Love, Richard.’