Richard Simmons’ pal recalls time before disappearance: ‘We had so much fun’

Fitness instructor Denise Austin still loves her old friend Richard Simmons.

The 65-year-old fitness guru spoke about her friendship with the 74-year-old personality, who apparently disappeared in 2014.

Simmons became reclusive and suddenly stopped teaching at his gym nearly a decade ago.

The fellow fitness gurus have been friends since they began their exercise careers in the 1980s.
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Austin recalled his relationship with the aerobics teacher and how they “had so much fun together” over the years.

“He hugged me every time we met. He was so kind and so sweet, just the best guy. And I loved my daughters who still always ask about him,” Austin said recently. he told Fox News.

“I adore him,” the mother of two added. “It was fun to start a career at the same time as him. And you know, I’ve done it for 40 years. He was a big part of that.”

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Denise Austin and Richard Simmons in 2011.
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Austin, as well as Simmons’s friend, Suzanne Somers. – appeared in the documentary “TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons” last August.

The special took a deep dive into Simmons’ entry into the spotlight and his sudden exit.

Following the document’s release, the “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” star told the publication through his spokesperson that he is “living the life he has chosen”.

“Richard is eternally grateful for the continued outpouring of love and gratitude he has received from around the world,” his rep told The Post on August 26. “He is happy, healthy and living the life he has chosen to live.”

The author of the cookbook “Never Say Diet” also led to facebook after the premiere of the documentary to thank his fans for their love and support.

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WASHINGTON, DC - July 24: Fitness advocate Richard Simmons leads a crowd of fans in a brief workout during a rally at the US Capitol, after testifying at a hearing before the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives to promote fitness and health education for children.  (Photo by Scott J. Ferrell/Congressional Quarterly/Getty Images)
Simmons retired from public life in 2014 and has not been seen since.
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Austin went on to recall his happy memories with Simmons: “It was so much fun being around him. We loved to motivate people. That’s what makes it shine. We both want to feed people with our positive energy. And I do it because everyone needs it.”

“Everyone wants to have someone who is uplifting and uplifting,” he continued. “Someone who tells you: ‘You have this, you can do it. I promise you, when you’re done, you’ll feel so much better.’”

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