Popular, some might even say “legendary,” fitness guru Richard Simmons managed to scare the absolute crap out of his fans on Monday after publishing a very dark, cryptic post on social media saying, “I am…dying” before going on to encourage folks to eat healthy foods and to “hug” those they love. Sounds like a short, sweet goodbye note, right? Who wouldn’t automatically assume the worst after reading that? Add this to the fact he’s a recluse who basically never comes out in public anymore and you have a recipe for death rumors.
According to NBC News, Simmons later clarified his post, stating he is not dying and apologized for causing confusion. Weird.
Simmons, 75, the fitness coach known for his eccentric personality and “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout videos, wrote Monday morning on Facebook and X that he had some news.
“Please don’t be sad. I am … dying,” he said in the post. “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.”
He continued: “Why am I telling you this? 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.”
Ah, so it was meant to be a motivational message. Well, it certainly could have been phrased better, don’t you think? Simmons should know by now the internet, especially social media, is like playing a global game of telephone, which is strange given the fact material is written down rather than passed ear-to-ear, which makes you wonder how folks get the meaning of things so messed up, but alas, here we are.
Simmons then suggested that his followers begin their day by eating a healthy meal and getting some exercise. Sound advice.
“There is something else very important that you must do. Tell the ones that you love that you love them. Hug those people and children who you really care for. A big hug really goes a long way,” the fitness expert said.
"*" indicates required fields
“If you have time I want you to listen to a terrific song. It is by Tim McGraw it is called Live Like You Were Dying. Live today and don’t forget to pray,” he finished.
On Monday afternoon, Simmons provided an update about the post and clarified what he meant for his fans. I mean, honestly, it seems pretty self-explanatory when you read it all.
“Sorry many of you have gotten upset about my message today. Even the press has gotten in touch with me. I am not dying,” he explained. “It was a message about saying how we should embrace every day that we have.”
Back in January, Simmons spoke out about a biopic that is being made about his life that will star actor Pauly Shore, stating he never gave anyone permission to make the film.
“I have never given my permission for his movie. So don’t believe everything you read,” he went on to say on Facebook at the time. “I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.”
Since his post about the biopic, Simmons has been writing with relative frequency on social media — offering motivational messages and sharing stories about moments and people who have affected his life. The posts have delved into topics like his childhood in New Orleans, racial segregation, fitness and his family.
Along with the posts on social media, he’s also released a couple of songs on YouTube.