Richard Simmons' longtime housekeeper pays tribute to fitness icon, recalls his final days
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Richard Simmons, the beloved fitness guru is being fondly remembered by his longtime companion, Teresa Reveles.
The housekeeper of 35 years opened up about the relationship with Simmons for whom she began working and living with, from 1986 until his death at the age of 76 on July 13.
His funeral was held Friday, July 19 in Los Angeles nearly a week after his death.
Teresa Reveles urged Richard Simmons to go to hospital after a fall
On the day of his birthday on July 12, Richard Simmons suffered a fall at his home in Los Angeles.
Reveles recalled urging the fitness icon to go to the hospital. However, he insisted on waiting till the next day.
"Let’s go to the hospital. Maybe you broke your leg," Reveles recalls telling him, to which Simmons replied, "'No, Teresa. Not on my birthday. Why don't we wait and we do it in the morning,'"
"But in the morning it was too late," she told People.
How did Richard Simmons die?
The cause of Richard Simmons' death is yet to be revealed. However, a statement from the Los Angeles Fire Department stated that the 'Sweatin' To The Oldies' host died from "apparent natural causes."
"Upon arrival, one rescue ambulance discovered a 76-year-old male who was pronounced deceased on-scene by firefighter/paramedics due to apparent natural causes. As a result, no hospital transport was necessary," stated LAFD Captain Erik Scott.
Reveles revealed that she found Simmons dead on the floor of his bedroom the day after his birthday and shared that he looked "peaceful" at the time of his death.
Teresa Reveles says Richard Simmons 'died happy'
Teresa Reveles and Richard Simmons shared many experiences together over the years as they traveled together, took drives, and went for walks around the neighborhood while he donned a disguise.
For the past 35 years, Reveles was more than just a companion as she cooked for the fitness expert and maintained his house and yard.
"Everything happened the way he wanted. He wanted to die first, he went first," she said.
"And you know what? I'm very happy because Richard was really, very happy. He died very happy," Reveles added.
Simmons' brother Lenny Simmons also highlighted the late icon's close relationships with other beloved members of his team. These included the head of his social media, Darlene, and his personal assistant, Michele.
