Richard Simmons shared 'haunting' final post just 5 hours before his death at the age of 76

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Celebrity fitness expert Milton Teagle 'Richard' Simmons posted a "haunting" eight-word post, barely five hours before he died in Los Angeles at the age of 76.

The exuberant comic of physical fitness—who formed a mini-empire in his signature tank tops and short shorts to get out and eat healthier—died from natural causes on July 13.

Richard Simmons shared line from Broadway musical before death

Simmons thanked followers on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for their birthday wishes on July 12, before he died in California.

"Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday. Love, Richard," he tweeted.

The day after, Simmons shared his final tweet on his X account, which featured an iconic line from a hit Broadway musical.

The late fitness enthusiast sent a message to his 70,7000 followers, saying, "Hello gorgeous! Please don’t rain on my parade"—a portion from the 1964 musical 'Funny Girl,' per Daily Mail.

Not to mention that his final X post, which appeared to have been made just before he died, has now drawn attention from social media users.

A former 268-pound youngster, Simmons went on to become a master of multiple media platforms, sharing his hard-won weight-loss strategies as the host of the Emmy-winning daytime show 'Richard Simmons Show' and the author of best-selling books and the Deal-A-Meal diet kit.

Along with starting training studios, he featured in workout videos, such as the hugely popular 'Sweatin' to the Oldies' brand that went on to become a cultural phenomenon. Following his recent disappearance from public view, Simmons—who revealed a skin illness in March 2024—sparked speculation about his health and well-being.

According to an email sent to The Associated Press by Simmons' publicist Tom Estey, the fitness icon died at home in Los Angeles. He did not provide any further information. The Los Angeles police and fire departments stated they were called to a home where a man had been declared dead from natural causes.

Fans react to Richard Simmons' 'haunting' final social media post

Following Simmons' final social media post, many commented on the timing of his last tweet.

One X user wrote, "Umm, this is haunting if this post was shortly before you passed. Rest in peace :("

A second user exclaimed, "Yikes! 5 hrs. ago posting messages & gone just like that. You seriously never know."

"Maybe this post was his way of saying goodbye?" remarked a third user.

Another added, "Wow...he'd have to have gone shortly after posting this"

"Was this really Richard the last few weeks on Twitter. Makes you wonder," one added.

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