Why Richard Simmons Died 'Very Happy' According to a Friend Who Spoke to Him 1 Day Before His Death (Exclusive)

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14 hours ago

Those closest to Simmons say he was energized by a new project months before he died and had begun writing songs for a potential Broadway musical about his life alongside musician Patrick Leonard
'He was so excited,' says older brother Lenny, 'and would always read us the lyrics, in poetry form, of the last song he had written for Patrick'
Tom Estey, Simmons' publicist for decades, says the health guru was in a "much more serene, very happy, very content" place before he diedSo much changed in the final year of fitness star Richard Simmons's life before he died at age 76, almost one year ago.
From early 2014 to the beginning of 2024, the once-ubiquitous health icon, who became a household name in the '80s and starred in a series of tank-top clad workout videos, retreated from the public eye and avoided most contact with even his closest friends and professional circle, as PEOPLE previously reported.
But months before he died as a result of a fall and underlying coronary disease, the "Sweatin' to the Oldies" legend returned to social media — partly to distance himself from an unsanctioned film about his life.
Those closest to him also say Simmons was energized by a new project and had begun writing songs for a potential Broadway musical about his life alongside musician Patrick Leonard, who has worked with megastars from Madonna to Elton John.
'He was so excited,' says older brother Lenny, 'and would always read us the lyrics, in poetry form, of the last song he had written for Patrick.'
"When we reconnected, it was a completely different Richard," says Tom Estey, who was Simmons' publicist for decades, adding that the health guru "was in a very happy and content place' after he reemerged.
While Simmons was home in the Hollywood Hills, "He did know that people missed him and he missed them, but he never took his eye nor his heart off them," Estey adds.
Simmons's death came as a complete surprise to Estey, who also noted, "the last day, he didn't feel well."
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"My body told me I needed to retire," Simmons himself told PEOPLE in an interview two days before his death, explaining how years of intense workouts had caught up to him and contributed to his decision to take a step back from public appearances a decade earlier.
Michael Catalano, who worked as the star's manager for years, said, "He found some peace in coming back and reconnecting with all people he had not spoken to in years," adding that throughout his career, Simmons was always uniquely able to bond with fans.
"He cried with them and he laughed with them, and he was never judgmental," Catalano said.
Read the original article on People