A private funeral was held for Richard Simmons in Los Angeles on Friday, about a week after his death.
“My beloved Dickie was laid to rest this morning surrounded only by family and close friends,” said his older brother, Lenny Simmons. He said to the people In a statement provided by his longtime manager, Tom Estey.
“We pray for your continued love and support during this very difficult time.”
Lenny asked fans of his late brothers to “remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives,” adding that Richard “truly cared about people,” having “called, written and emailed thousands of people throughout his career offering to help.”
“So don’t be sad,” Lenny urged. “Celebrate his life.”
According to TMZThe legendary fitness guru is buried in Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary.
The newspaper obtained the man’s death certificate, which did not mention the manner of death, but rather indicated that the manner of death is still under investigation.
The death certificate also refers to Richard as a “healthy stimulant” and states that he was single at the time of his death, as he had never been married.
Richard reportedly described feeling dizzy before collapsing in his bath last Friday, his 76th birthday.
According to TMZ, his housekeeper helped him up and tried to provide him with medical care immediately, but he refused because he wanted to stay home for his birthday.
He reportedly told his housekeeper he might see a doctor the next day before she helped him back to bed.
Reportedly, around 10 a.m. on Saturday, the housekeeper found the exercise instructor unconscious on the floor next to his bed.
According to TMZ, Richard showed no visible or outward signs of injury – including bruising or bleeding – after the fall.
The New Orleans native was pronounced dead at the scene, and there were no reports of any signs of foul play.
Richard said he felt “fine” and “grateful” to be “alive” in a rare interview published just a day before his death.
In March, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer and had been receiving treatment for it “for many years.”