"He died happy”: Richard Simmons’ house manager gives insights into American fitness icon’s last days

American fitness sensation Richard Simmons passed away a few days back (July 13) due to natural causes. While the devastating news came as a shock to many, the investigation into his death has been going on ever since. Passing away just hours after celebrating his 76th birthday, Simmons lived a full life, inspiring millions to take up fitness.

The fitness icon’s house manager Teresa Reveles recently spoke to People.com where she revealed how he was holding up in the last few days of his life.

“I can’t stop crying. I still can’t believe what happened…I want to celebrate Richard. He died happy,” Teresa said.

The 73-year-old was the first one to report the death. Upon finding Simmons dead in his bedroom, Reveles couldn’t believe her eyes. She instantly recognised that the fitness guru had a heart attack.

“When I saw him, he looked peaceful. But his hands were balled into fists, she says. That’s why I know it was a heart attack. I had a heart attack a few years ago, and my hands did the same,” Terresa mentioned.

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Richard Simmons was confident in Teresa from the very beginning

Reminiscing upon the time when she entered Simmons' house for the first time, Teresa Reveles narrated the beautiful tale that unfolded between the duo. When she rang Simmons’ doorbell for the first time for work, the fitness icon was confident that she’d be the right match for the house.

She said (via Parade.com):

“I showed up in here and Richard says to me, ‘Where are your clothes? Where is your big suitcase?’ I said, ‘I just bring the little suitcase because I only try this for two weeks. If you don't like me or you don't like my cooking, then I can't work.’”

To this, Richard Simmons replied:

“Teresa, come in, you are never going to leave. We are going to be together until I die.”

The duo shared a deep bond. As per Teresa Reveles, Richard Simmons was a fun person to be around and would joke and play pranks on her. She said:

“If I was in the kitchen and then I come into the living room, he would hide and jump out, being so loud that he would scare me to death. I’d start screaming, ‘Richard, you almost killed me!’ He’d just laugh and say, ‘Teresa, almost doesn't count.’”

Teresa Reveles handled Richard Simmons’ house for almost four decades. Apart from cooking and maintaining his yard, she also shared a friendly relationship with Simmons.

Despite his sad demise, Richard Simmons’ evergreen home workouts will always remain a loving memory in the hearts of his fans.

If you also have a good memory of the American fitness guru, let us know in the comments.