Richard Simmons’ Housekeeper Says She Wants to ‘Celebrate Richard’ Amid His Passing; Shares ‘He Died Happy’

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As a dedicated follower of Richard Simmons‘ journey over the years, I have always admired his infectious energy and passion for fitness. However, Teresa Reveles’ recent recollection of her time with him before he passed away has given me a deeper understanding of the man behind the public figure.

Teresa Reveles shares insights from the past days of Richard Simmons’ life before he sadly passed away. As his long-term colleague and roommate for nearly 35 years, Reveles offers a glimpse into Simmons’ private world, revealing intimate details of their living arrangement until his recent demise this month.

A recollection of Richard Simmons’ life outside the media

In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE magazine, Reveles shared a nostalgic tale about Simmons’ nightly skunk-feeding routine. Apparently, it was customary for skunks to visit his house each evening. He personally fed them peanuts, and allowed the creatures to be petted on their heads – an action that often puzzled Reveles. “Richard! Aren’t they likely to have rabies?” she would warn him, as he responded to her concerns.

In 1986, Reveles started working for Simmons through an agency. She informed him that her employment could have been just a two-week trial. However, Simmons intuitively said to her, “Teresa, come in; you’ll never leave. We’ll be together until I’m gone.” Amazingly, this prediction held true as Reveles was the one who discovered Simmons in his bedroom after he had passed away. She explained how she identified the cause of his death by observing his clenched fists. “I had a heart attack a few years ago,” she shared with the media, “and my hands did the same.”

1. In the first-person perspective, I’ve found myself living alongside a dear friend, more like a platonic couple would, sharing responsibilities, splitting chores, and running errands together. Over time, I noticed a shift in him, moving away from the vibrant fitness coach that the world had come to know. This transition became apparent after he secluded himself, an unexpected change from his usual energetic self. It was during his last decade when this transformation took place, brought on by persistent knee pain and subsequent knee replacement surgeries. In one of our conversations, he confided in me about his decision to retire from public life, a revelation I later shared during an interview.

When he stepped back from his public engagements, the focus turned towards Reveles, who was subsequently targeted by tabloids with harsh criticisms. However, she clarified, “People wrote all sorts of wild things about me, accusing me of keeping him imprisoned at home. But that was never the case.”

Richard Simmons’ final days

Later on, she shared with THE PUBLIC her account of Simmons’ last days, during which he fulfilled his wishes – reaching out to fans by making phone calls and responding to their emails. He had intentions of creating a documentary and a Broadway production based on his life experiences. However, his health deteriorated unexpectedly on the eve of his passing, which unfortunately coincided with his birthday. Despite his wish to visit the hospital, he resisted, but they agreed to arrange it for the following morning. Tragically, it was already too late.

30 years ago, Richard welcomed me into his life. Over time, he grew to be more than just a boss; he was like a father figure to me. He showed me kindness and love even before I reciprocated it myself. This is a testament to the deep bond we shared, a friendship that spanned decades.

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2024-07-30 09:53