Richard Simmons’ final interview, just two days before his death, delivered these truly disturbing final words

Richard Simmons He knew how much people loved and missed him. And he strangely acknowledged it just two days before his death.

As fans continue to deal with the fitness icon’s death, a haunting final interview has surfaced that took place just two days before his tragic passing. During a phone call with People Last week, the late 76-year-old opened up about everything from stepping away from the spotlight, staying connected to his fans, his scary encounter with basal cell carcinoma, his 76th birthday, and more. He revealed that when he decided to retire, it was because his “body was telling me I had to.”

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But even though he retreated from the spotlight, he still enjoyed chatting with his fans via email and phone. And yet, he certainly didn’t consider himself the “legend” the world celebrates:

“I don’t hear that at all. I don’t hear the word legend. I don’t hear the word icon. I’ve never lived a celebrity life. I’ve never considered myself a celebrity. People don’t know that, I’m really a shy person and a little bit of an introvert. But when the curtain goes up, it’s a different story. I’m here to make people happy. But the praise that I get through emails. I mean, today, most likely, we’ll answer over 100 emails. And they’ll say, ‘I’m your number one fan.’ And I just answer, and I say, you know, ‘Don’t say that because I’m a human being like you. And I know you do good things too.’”

Awww. Humble to the end. On his birthday, the late fitness guru noted:

“Today is a beautiful day. But nothing has really changed. I got up this morning. I said my prayers, I counted my blessings, and then I went to work. You know?”

And part of his day was of course chatting with fans:

“I write messages, I answer emails, and when the email is really extreme, I ask for their number and call them. I feel good because I’m helping people.”

What an amazing person he truly was.

The outlet reported that he was planning to make a comeback, which his brother Lenny also spoke about — and fans were eagerly awaiting. And on that front, Richard left the stage with an eerie feeling that was made all the more haunting considering he passed away just two days after giving it. He told the outlet:

“I know I miss people. And you know what? I miss them, too. But I can reach them by phone… and by email. And I leave the house sometimes. But I’m in disguise.”

Wow. We’re just glad he lived what seemed like a very good life and stayed in touch with his fans until the very end. Rest in peace, Richard.

(Images via Katie Couric & TheEllenShow/YouTube)