Richard Simmons is stepping into the afterlife with his signature look.
His brother Renee Simmons talks about Richard’s workout style and his iconic tank top at a celebration of the late fitness guru’s life at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans on Saturday, October 5th. and how the shorts are still in his possession.
In a video obtained by TMZ, Renee tells the crowd a “little secret” that “not many people know.”
“Like the beautiful things Clark Kent wore, tank tops and shorts under his clothes,” he said, apparently alluding to what his brother had buried.
“Why?” Lenny continued. “That’s because we think God has other plans for him, and to help the saints and angels get in shape, the regular costumes we know and love.” Because I want to make sure he’s wearing it.
Richard Simmons in 1996.
Evan Heard/Sigma/Getty
“So what I’m here to say is, even if he’s not here, I know he’s here tonight and alive and well. Richard Simmons will forever be sweating with the Hollies.” ” Lenny concluded his heartfelt speech. “Thank you so much for coming.”
Photos from the celebration of life show Richard’s fans in attendance, some wearing sports workout clothes resembling the late fitness guru’s signature style. Some people are paying tribute to him.
Richard passed away on July 13th, the day after his 76th birthday. According to TMZ, he collapsed at home on July 11 and refused to seek medical attention despite his housekeeper’s insistence that he spend his birthday at home.
The next day, July 12, the housekeeper helped Richard to bed, but found him unresponsive on the morning of July 13, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office determined that Richard died from blunt force trauma. Heart disease has been cited as a contributing factor.
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A small funeral was held on July 19, and he was buried at the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles.
Two days before his death, Richard gave his final interview to PEOPLE magazine, in which he was asked what it meant to be called a “legend.” He said, “I’ve never heard of it. I’ve never heard of the word legend. I’ve never heard of the word icon. I’ve never lived the life of a celebrity. I thought of myself as a celebrity.” “No,” he replied.
“People don’t know this, but I’m really shy and a bit of an introvert,” Richard continued. “But when the curtain goes up, it’s a different story. I’m there to make people happy.”
Richard Simmons. getty
“But the compliments you get from emails. I mean, I’ll probably respond to over 100 emails today, and they’ll say, ‘I’m your biggest fan,'” Richard said. told PEOPLE.
He continued, “And I just wrote back and said, ‘Don’t say that because I’m a human being just like you. And I know you’re doing good.’ ”
