Richard Simmons's safety is a concern

But Richard Simmons appreciates fans' "kindness" after a new documentary reignited speculation about his whereabouts. This is a message for the fans this week, the reclusive fitness expert and cultural icon sent a heartwarming message to his followers.

Simmons, 74, posted an image of a happy yellow character holding a red banner that read, "Thank you!" on his official Facebook page. Thanks to everyone for their generosity and love, he wrote in the post on Wednesday.

Simmons provided the uncommon update just days after

What Happened to Richard Simmons" premiered on Fox. The television program following Simmons' ascent to popularity and descent from the public glare provided a simple reason for Simmons' exile from the spotlight. The video claims that Simmons fell "into a severe despair" when medical professionals advised him to have extensive knee surgery for his left knee in 2014. And he might never be able to exercise again if he didn't get one. The documentary asserts that this is crucial to Richard Simmons' disappearance.

Suzanne Somers, an actor, and the author claimed in the documentary that Simmons initially agreed to join her on Larry King's talk show but withdrew.

She said: "I heard through the 'Larry King' people that he didn't want to go on the show with me. I was told that he was afraid of me making fun of him."I never make fun of anyone, so that's not how I roll," she remarked. "That is not how I roll; I never make fun of people, "She spoke. "But at that point, I understood that uneasiness had crept in."I enjoyed him. He always expected I would make fun of him, which always astonished me. But doesn't that indicate to you that he is grieving? He did it, and it damaged something deep inside. He held it before releasing it.

Simmons withdrew before abruptly closing his L.A. fitness facility in 2016

Dan Taberski started the "Missing Richard Simmons" podcast in 2017. It revisited the rumors and rumors surrounding Simmons' disappearance and featured interviews with friends of the exercise expert.

Then, speculation arose over his health. The National Enquirer reported that Simmons had undergone a gender transition in 2016, which he swiftly refuted. He uploaded a message to Facebook that read, "I feel compelled to set the record right and counter these lies. In an interview, Simmons disproved suggestions that his maid was in control of him and assured his supporters that he was safe. Fans responded to Simmons' most recent post by writing nearly 5,000 complimentary comments on his F.B. post. One supporter retorted, "You have improved the lives of so many people. "I want to thank you for everything you have done and are doing. We won't ever forget you, for sure! Another person remarked, "THANK YOU for always being such a great and caring person." "We've missed you