Exclusive interview with People magazine, Teresa Reveles, the longtime housekeeper and confidant of fitness icon Richard Simmons, has shared new details about his death. Simmons, known for his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout videos, passed away on July 13, shortly after his 76th birthday.
Reveles, who had never spoken to the press before, revealed that she discovered Simmons’ body on the floor of his bedroom the morning after his birthday. She noted that despite his peaceful appearance, Simmons’ hands were clenched into fists, a sign she associated with heart attacks from her own past experience. “I had a heart attack a few years ago, and my hands did the same,” Reveles explained.
The official cause of Simmons’ death has not yet been disclosed, as an autopsy was completed shortly after his passing. Reveles recounted that Simmons had suffered a fall at his home two days before his death. On the morning of his birthday, he had expressed discomfort and reluctance to leave his bed, attributing it to leg pain. Reveles had suggested going to the hospital, but Simmons declined, saying he preferred to wait until the next morning.
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Tragically, Reveles’ concerns came too late. “But in the morning it was too late,” she said, reflecting on the events.
Reveles, now 73, had been with Simmons since 1986, taking on various roles including shopping, maintaining his property, and cooking for him. Their relationship extended beyond work; they lived and traveled together for over three decades. Reveles fondly recalled their initial meeting, where Simmons told her, “Teresa, come in, you are never going to leave. We are going to be together until I die.”
During the interview, Reveles became emotional, expressing her disbelief and ongoing grief. “I can’t stop crying,” she admitted. Despite her sorrow, she chose to focus on celebrating Simmons’ life, stating, “I want to celebrate Richard. He died happy.”
This poignant reflection offers a glimpse into the personal life and final moments of one of America’s most beloved fitness figures.
