Richard Simmons’ Team Shares Final Photo and Message Prepared Before His Death

Richard Simmons prepared a social media post for his fans before his death at the age of 76.

The late fitness star’s team published the post, which includes a photo of Simmons and a message from him, on Saturday.

They wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Hello everyone. Richard worked very hard on his posts for you. He had many ideas and worked backwards… going back over each one and making changes until he got it exactly what he wanted before publishing.”

“As you know, on the weekends he would just share a photo with a caption,” his team continued. “He would always choose his photos and write his captions for the upcoming weekend before Friday. So here we have the post that Richard had planned to share with you last Sunday. We thought you might want to see it.”

Simmons’ last message was scheduled for July 14. He died the day before.

In the photo, a gray-haired Simmons is seen smiling and wearing a bright orange NASA jumpsuit. He stands in front of a colorful wall.

“Let me take you to the moon so we can gaze at the stars. With love, Richard,” the caption read.

The weight-loss guru, whose real name was Milton Teagle Simmons, died on July 13, just one day after his 76th birthday.

Simmons reportedly suffered a fall in his bathroom and refused to seek immediate medical attention despite his housekeeper’s concerns.

He reportedly felt dizzy before his fall, but wanted to stay home for his birthday.

The next day, around 10 a.m., Simmons was found dead on the floor next to his bed.

The Post has since confirmed with the Los Angeles medical examiner’s office that Simmons’ cause of death has been deferred and is under investigation.

The review, which includes additional testing, can take up to 3 months before an official decision is made.

Police reportedly do not believe foul play was involved in Simmons’ death.

The late television personality was buried Friday in Los Angeles in a private funeral attended by his family and closest friends.

He was buried at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary.

“Our beloved Dicky was laid to rest this morning surrounded only by his closest family and friends,” his publicist, Tom Estey, said on behalf of Simmons’ brother, Lenny. “We pray that you continue to love and support us during this very difficult time.”

Simmons rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s after opening gyms across the country and releasing his iconic, high-energy fitness tapes. He stepped away from the public eye a decade ago.

In March, Simmons revealed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.

“I feel great!” he told PEOPLE before his death. “I’m grateful to be here, to be alive for another day. I’m going to spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is helping people.”