Richard Simmons addresses fans in Facebook statement

Fitness guru Richard Simmons is pictured in 2013.| Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File

LOS ANGELES (AP) — After an absence from the spotlight, Richard Simmons is speaking out directly to his fans, saying, “Hope to see you again soon!”

Simmons posted a statement on his Facebook page Wednesday, and his spokesman, Tom Estey, confirmed its authenticity.

The statement marks Simmons’ first public comments since calling into TV’s “Entertainment Tonight” last year. The 68-year-old fitness guru has been out of the public eye since 2014, an absence that inspired the popular podcast “Missing Richard Simmons” earlier this year.

After reportedly being hospitalized Monday for severe indigestion, Simmons sent greetings Wednesday to “everyone who has shown concern for me and sent their good wishes.”

The statement reads:

Hello to everyone who has shown concern for me and sent their good wishes. You will never know how much it means to me. Aren’t you sick of hearing and reading about me?! LOL Well by now you know that I’m not missing, just a little under the weather. I’m sure I will be feeling good and back home in a couple of days. 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! Love, Richard

Associated Press

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