On Saturday, Richard Simmons, who was well-known for motivating obese individuals to exercise and alter their diets, passed away.

Known for his brightly colored tank tops and short shorts, Simmons radiated boundless energy on television as the flamboyant court jester of physical health. His birthday is Friday.

The fitness guru Richard Simmons unexpectedly departed away at home in Los Angeles, his publicist Tom Estey wrote in an email to The Associated Press. “We lost an Angel today—a true Angel,” Estey said.

According to a representative of the Los Angeles Police Department, on Saturday at 9:57 a.m., officers responded to a 911 call made from Richard Simmons’ Belfast Drive home.

A 76-year-old man was discovered dead on the spot by firefighters and paramedics for what looked to be natural causes when one rescue ambulance arrived.

Captain Erik Scott of the LAFD states that “no hospital transport was necessary” as a result.

Richard gave his wishes for his legacy some thought two days before he passed away.

“I never thought of myself as a celebrity. “People don’t know that I’m actually a shy person and a little bit of an introvert,” he said to People.

But once the curtains rise, that’s another thing. I’m here to make other people happy.

But the compliments I get through email. We anticipate answering over 100 emails today.

And when they say something like, ‘I’m your biggest fan,’ I just write back and remind them not to say that because I’m also a human. Furthermore, I am aware of your great deeds.

Simmons’ brother Lenny Simmons confirmed the passing in a statement.

“I don’t want people to be depressed about my brother,” said Lenny Simmons. “I want people to remember him for bringing joy and true love into their lives.”

“We’re in disbelief,” Lenny said. “Please be mindful of the family during this difficult time.”Simmons’s longtime spokesperson, Tom Estey, released a statement that said, “Today the World lost an Angel.”

The day before his untimely death, Simons turned 76 years old. He thanked everyone on social media for their birthday wishes.

“Thank you very much…I have never in my life gotten so many birthday messages! Simmons wrote a composition.I’m sitting here writing emails. I hope the rest of your Friday is nothing short of spectacular.

The signature on his post read “Love, Richard.”