Richard Simmons’ Close Confidant Offers Insight Into His Final Days

Fans the world over were heartbroken when Richard Simmons died on July 13, just one day after he turned 76. But now the fitness guru's longtime house manager, Teresa Reveles , has revealed something that might be a source of comfort to many: His last days were "joyful" ones, often spent feeding skunks.

In an exclusive interview, Reveles—who lived with Simmons for 35 years—told People that a family of skunks would show up at his West Hollywood back door every night, where the late celeb would feed them peanuts by hand. The skunks were so used to Simmons that he could even touch their noses.

“‘Richard! They probably have rabies!’ I would tell him,” Reveles said.

Reveles broke down in sobs in the middle of her interview, but said she wanted to "celebrate Richard," adding, "he died happy."

Related: Richard Simmons Sounds Off on Announced Biopic Amid Step Back From Spotlight

Reveles was the person who found Simmons in his bedroom following his death. “When I saw him, he looked peaceful,” Reveles said, though his hands were balled into fists.

“That’s why I know it was a heart attack," Reveles explained. "I had a heart attack a few years ago, and my hands did the same."

Ahead of Simmons' death, the fitness guru shared a now-eery update that worried fans .

"I have some news to tell you. Please don’t be sad. I am ….dying," the Sweatin’ to the Oldies star wrote via Facebook on March 18. "Oh I can see your faces now. The truth is we all are dying. Every day we live we are getting closer to our death."

One day later, Simmons revealed he had been diagnosed with skin cancer .

Next: Richard Simmons' Net Worth in 2024 and Who'll Inherit His Fitness Empire