After being hospitalized earlier this week for an alleged bout of “severe indigestion,” Richard Simmons is speaking out directly to his fans for the first time in three years — although many still have more questions than we currently have answers. In both a statement to People along with the above Facebook post, the fitness guru thanks fans for their concern and wishes, assuring everyone for once and for all, that is is not missing — as the hit podcast Missing Richard Simmons suggests.
In the post, he writes:
This has reminded me that when you need help you can’t be afraid to reach out and ask for it. We all think we should always be able to solve our problems all by ourselves and sometimes it’s just bigger than we are.
I reached out and I hope you will too. I’m sure there are people in your life who love and care for you and would do anything to help you with the challenges you face.
Just knowing you care has already made me feel better. Hope to see you again soon!
In a personal touch, he signs the message, “Love, Richard.” Many are skeptical that Simmons posted the message himself however, as even during his absence from the public his Facebook page has been regularly maintained. Although know one knows for sure if it’s necessarily maintained by him personally. Likewise, E! News points out that the photo accompanying the post seems to have been taken back in 2013, when he was seen wearing the exact same outfit at a Los Angeles cake and cupcake decorating studio.
The message comes on the heels of speculation that Simmons might be ready to orchestrate his public comeback, but so far it’s anybody’s best guess as to whether or not that will actually happen. At the end of the day, Simmons doesn’t owe anything to anyone, so all we can do is hope that the guy is doing okay in the meantime.