Richard Simmons’ Family Releases Heartfelt Statement To Fans As They ‘Desperately’ Grieve His Death

Richard Simmons‘ family is speaking out.

The fitness guru and longtime public figure died on Saturday— just one day after he celebrated his 76th birthday. And while his death has come as a shock to fans and longtime followers of the health guru, nobody is more heartbroken over the loss than his own family and closest loved ones.

Related: Was Richard Simmons A Joke?

On Tuesday afternoon, Simmons’ longtime publicist Tom Estey released a statement to ET that was penned and signed off on by Simmons’ family. In it, the legendary fitness icon’s loved ones acknowledged all the condolences and support fans have sent in after the public figure’s passing:

“The Simmons family is overwhelmed and beyond grateful for the outpouring of love shown to our beloved Dicky. He is up above smiling down at all of you.”

And then, the statement continued with a note that the family would no longer speak out about the sad situation, but instead choose to grieve privately from here on out:

“There will no further comment from the family at this time other than to kindly ask the media to respect Richard’s memory and grant us the time to grieve as we so desperately need to do.”

So sad.

As you may recall, this isn’t the first statement from the Simmons family — even though it now indicates that it will be the last. Richard’s brother Lenny Simmons offered up a very optimistic take days ago asking fans to remember Richard for the joy he gave to others during his lifetime. Then, on Monday, ET quoted Lenny with another heartfelt sentiment on how the late fitness aficionado will be remembered fondly by fans for his many years of health advocacy:

“What you see interviews, what you saw on his exercise videos, that’s the way he was. He didn’t turn anything off. This is the way he talked to people. He loved hugging people. I mean he did things for people that I don’t think anybody else would do… He would actually go and visit people who were extremely obese and tried to help them.”

So sweet, even in such a sad situation. Clearly, Richard was loved and respected — by both family members and fans alike. We continue to send our condolences to the Simmons family for their loss, and hope that they can get through the mourning period privately and quietly as requested. Rest in Peace, Richard…

[Image via Mr. Blue/MEGA/WENN]