Richard Simmons Makes Rare Statement Days After Documentary on His Disappearance Airs

Richard Simmons is briefly returning to the spotlight to share a sweet message.

Days after the premiere of a TMZ documentary about his sudden departure from the public eye, the fitness icon resurfaced on social media to show his appreciation to his fans.

"Thank you, everyone, for your kindness and love!" he wrote in an Aug. 24 Facebook post, signing it, "Love, Richard."

Fans flooded the post with positive comments, with one user writing, "I'm so proud of you for taking time for yourself. You've given so much of yourself to the world, and now it's your time. Good for you. Thank you for blessing and inspiring me so richly."

In a statement to E! News, Richard's rep added that the star "is so gratified by the outpouring of love and good wishes from his fans. He wants them to know he is doing well and sends all his best wishes back to them."

Richard Simmons' Final Year in the Public Eye

The documentary, titled "TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons," premiered on Hulu and FOX on Aug. 22. It centered around Richard's life and career, as well as the several theories behind his disappearance from the spotlight.

Richard made his last public appearance in February 2014, when he suddenly stopped teaching at his workout studio. Since then, Internet has theorized why Richard stepped away from his fitness empire, with someone people wildly speculating that he's a "hostage" in his own house.

The "Sweatin' to the Oldies" star debunked these claims in 2016. "No one is holding me in my house as a hostage," he told the Today show. "You know, I do what I want to do as I've always done so people should sort of just believe what I have to say."

He continued, "I just sort of wanted to be a little bit of a loner for a little while. You know, I had hurt my knee, and I had some problems with it, and then the other knee started giving me trouble...and you know, right now I just want to sort of take care of me."