Richard Simmons was buried with his loved ones present.

Richard Simmons, the renowned fitness guru, passed away on July 13 at the age of 76.

Richard Simmons was buried with his loved ones present.
Richard Simmons was buried with his loved ones present.

On Friday, a private funeral was held in Los Angeles for Richard Simmons, the 76-year-old iconic fitness guru, who passed away five days prior.

Tom Estey, Simmons' longtime publicist, released a statement on behalf of Lenny Simmons to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Dicky was laid to rest this morning with only family and closest friends present. We pray for your continued love and support during this difficult time.

richard simmons portrait
Fitness icon Richard Simmons died July 13. He was 76.  (Harry Langdon/Getty Images)

One day after his birthday, Simmons passed away at his home in Los Angeles on July 13.

"The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Planet Chronicle Digital that officers are investigating a death and there is no evidence of foul play."

An investigation and additional testing are required to determine the official cause of his death.

Richard Simmons smiling in plaid shirt
Richard Simmons was laid to rest at a private funeral in Los Angeles July 19, 2024. (Getty Images)

""Residence" was listed as Simmons' place of death, while "open" was his case status, and "other significant conditions" were cited as a cause of death."

The LAFD spokesperson informed Planet Chronicle Digital that first responders were dispatched to Simmons' Los Angeles home for the cardiac arrest of a 76-year-old man. The patient was declared dead at the scene due to natural causes, according to the LAFD.

"Our beloved Dicky was laid to rest this morning surrounded by only family and closest friends. We pray for your continued love and support during this very difficult time." — Lenny Simmons

The former fitness coach, who retired from the public eye 10 years ago, expressed gratitude for being alive after being diagnosed with skin cancer in a recent interview with People magazine.

The host of "Sweatin' to the Oldies" intended to blow out a candle to commemorate the event, but they noted that the candle would likely be placed on a zucchini, as they are a vegetarian.

""I am grateful for being alive and spending my birthday helping others," he stated."

Richard Simmons in workout clothes
Simmons was known for his eccentric personality and became a staple of the fitness industry in the '80s. (Harry Langdon/Getty Images)

In March, Simmons shared with his followers that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. He used Facebook to describe the discovery and the treatment he received in an effort to eliminate the cancerous cells.

A day after causing concern among fans with a social media post about feeling "dying," Simmons revealed his diagnosis.

"I have some news to share with you. Please don't be upset. I am dying," he wrote at the time. "The truth is, we all are dying. Each day we live brings us closer to our death. The reason I'm telling you this is to encourage you to live life to the fullest every day. Wake up in the morning, look at the sky, count your blessings, and enjoy."

richard simmons smiling with hand raised
Simmons' cause of death was listed as "deferred" by coroners, with "other significant conditions" as a factor. (Rodrigo Vaz/Getty Images)

At the time, his representative informed Planet Chronicle Digital that Simmons was not dying, and the post was intended to be motivational.

In the late 1970s, Simmons gained popularity through "The Richard Simmons Show," game show appearances, and late-night TV shows. Later, in 1988, his "Sweatin’ to the Oldies" workout videos were first released, further cementing his fame.

Richard Simmons working out
Simmons celebrated his 76th birthday the day before he died. (Bobby Bank/WireImage)

"The Richard Simmons Show" received two Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding direction and talk show. Simmons was adored for his lively and humorous demeanor and for inspiring individuals to achieve fitness through his workout videos.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Tracy Wright contributed to this report.

by Janelle Ash,Larry Fink

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