So many memories. Reclusive fitness guru Richard Simmons thanked fans as he prepares to shut the doors of his iconic exercise studio, Slimmons, after 42 years on Saturday, November 19.
In a statement to Entertainment Tonight on Friday, November 18, the Sweatin’ to the Oldies star reminisced about launching his Beverly Hills studio in 1974 because he wanted to help people and make friends.
“Over the years, thousands came to laugh and sweat with me,” he said. “The world and what we know about nutrition and fitness may have changed a lot since then, but the lessons shared in that little studio still apply. I’ve dedicated my life to helping others feel better about themselves and they helped me to do the same. Thank you for always supporting and loving me. I will take the time for myself to be the best I can be and so should you. I love you — always keep sweating’.”
He has also been posting thank-you messages to fans and sharing photos from his decades in the studio to his official Facebook page.
Simmons, 68, previously confirmed news of the decision to close the studio in a Facebook post on October 21, calling it “an amazing part of my life to teach, meet and support people from all over the world.”
The studio launched Simmons’ successful weight-loss empire, which grew to include a line of fitness DVDs, books and his FoodMover program.
Slimmons’ closure comes at the end of a difficult year for the fitness guru, who has largely retreated from public life and struggled with health issues.
In March, the Still Hungry After All These Years author denied that he was being held hostage by his housekeeper after fans worried he had cut off friends and had barely been seen outside his home for two years.
“No one is holding me in my house as a hostage,” he told the Today show of the rumors. “You know, I do what I want to do as I’ve always done, so people should sort of just believe what I have to say because, like, I’m Richard Simmons!”
In June, Simmons was admitted to hospital for a few days for dehydration and days later took to Facebook to deny a National Enquirer report that he was transitioning into a woman.
