The late fitness icon Richard Simmons was buried in his signature attire, according to his brother, Lenny Simmons, who shared the heartwarming secret during a celebration of his life in New Orleans.
Richard Simmons, the beloved fitness guru and TV icon, was laid to rest in his iconic uniform of a tank top and sweat shorts, according to his brother, Lenny Simmons.
During a celebration of Simmons' life in New Orleans on Saturday, Lenny revealed the heartwarming secret about his late brother's burial. In a video obtained by TMZ, Lenny spoke to a crowd of mourners, sharing that the family chose to bury Simmons in his signature attire because they believed God had a special plan for him.
Richard Simmons Laid to Rest in His Iconic Tank Top and Shorts, Brother Reveals
"Just like Clark Kent underneath his beautiful things that he was wearing, his clothing, [Richard] is wearing a tank top and shorts," Lenny said, referencing Richard's iconic fitness attire.
"Why, you ask?" Lenny continued. "Because we think that God has another plan for him, and we want to make sure that he was going to be in his normal costume that we all know and love to help the saints and the angels get into shape."
Richard Simmons Laid to Rest in His Iconic Tank Top and Shorts, Brother Reveals
Lenny concluded his speech by saying, "So I'm here to say to you that even though he's not here and I know he's in spirit here tonight, Richard Simmons will forever be sweating with the Holies. Thank you so much for coming."
Richard's death on July 13 at the age of 76 sent shockwaves through the fitness and entertainment worlds. The cause of death was ruled as an accident due to blunt traumatic injuries following a fall. Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease was listed as a contributing factor.
Richard Simmons Laid to Rest in His Iconic Tank Top and Shorts, Brother Reveals
Simmons' longtime caretaker, Teresa Reveles, found him unresponsive on his bedroom floor on the morning of July 13. She told People magazine that he looked peaceful, with his hands balled into fists, which she recognized as a sign of a heart attack.
Reveles had urged Simmons to go to the hospital the day before after he fell, but he declined, saying he wanted to wait until after his birthday.
Richard Simmons Laid to Rest in His Iconic Tank Top and Shorts, Brother Reveals
"But in the morning, it was too late," Reveles said.
Los Angeles Police Department officials confirmed to Fox News Digital that there was no foul play involved in Simmons' death.
Simmons' family laid him to rest five days after his death, surrounded by only close family and friends.
The fitness icon, known for his eccentric personality and infectious enthusiasm, became a staple in the fitness industry in the 1980s. His television shows, workout videos, and motivational speeches inspired millions to get fit and embrace a healthy lifestyle.
Richard Simmons' legacy as a fitness icon and cultural figure will continue to inspire and motivate people for generations to come.
