Update 9:19 p.m. ET: Richard Simmons released a statement via Facebook on Friday, October 21.
"Some of you may have heard that Slimmons will close next month. While it is true, it has been an amazing part of my life to teach, meet and support people from all over the world," the exercise guru wrote in a post. "I want to thank everyone who has come through those studio doors to laugh, cry and sweat with me! Remember to keep sweatin', keep movin' and most importantly go out and Vote! Love Richard xo."
Original story continues below.
The end of an era. Richard Simmons’ Beverly Hills workout studio, Slimmons, will be closing its doors after 42 years. Students received an email from the studio manager on Friday, October 21, with the sad news.
The studio, which opened in the summer of 1974, opened the gates for Simmons’ successful weight-loss empire, which he expanded to include DVDs, books and his popular FoodMover program. In 2010, he noted that he’s helped people lose a collective 12 million pounds.
The closure comes on the heels of a tough year for Simmons.
In March, the 68-year-old shut down speculation that he was being held hostage by his housekeeper. “No one is holding me in my house as a hostage,” he told the Today show. “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!”
A few months later, in June, the aerobics guru was hospitalized for a few days for dehydration. Upon release from the hospital, Simmons announced his recovery in a statement to Us Weekly. "Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and concern after hearing I was in the hospital. I was dehydrated and needed some fluids and now I am feeling great! Summer is here — drink plenty of liquids. Big hugs and kisses for caring,” he said at the time.
Days later, Simmons addressed rumors that he had been transitioning into a woman, on his Facebook page. “Some tabloids have recently falsely reported that I am transitioning. In response, I feel compelled to set the record straight and refute these lies,” the post began. “Although I am not transitioning, I have and always will be supportive of those who are going through their journey. We should not lose focus on showing love, strength and compassion to all of the LGBT community during these tragic times. My broken heart and healing thoughts are with the people of Orlando and all other victims of prejudice, bigotry and hate.”
Since then, Simmons has resumed his relatively quiet lifestyle.
Slimmons will hold its final class on Saturday, November 19.
