Donald Trump Had A Strange Way Of Using Richard Simmons In His Presidential Campaign

Summary

• Donald Trump promised to rescue Richard Simmons from rumored captivity, gaining media attention for his campaign.
• Simmons denied being held hostage, reassuring fans of his well-being, but kept away from politics.
• Simmons had an emotional final message before passing away, leaving fans saddened by his loss.

The headlines for Saturday, July 13th, 2024 had both Donald Trump and Richard Simmons at the forefront. Richard Simmons passed away at 76 after a lengthy battle with skin cancer. As for Donald Trump, he was ducking during a rally after an attempted assassination. Scary scenes without a doubt.

For this particular moment, let's go back to 2016, as Trump used Richard Simmons' name in a lighthearted moment. At the time, rumors were starting to swirl that Simmons was being held hostage at home by his housekeeper. Not only did Trump chime in at the time, but he promised to make things right with Simmons.

It should be noted that Richard didn't respond to Trump, and kept away from the comments.

Let's recap, and take a look at Richards' final days.

Donald Trump Promised To Rescue Richard Simmons During His Campaign After Rumored Surfaced He Was Being Held Hostage

Prior to getting elected, Donald Trump had quite a to-do list. Some of his apparent tasks were more curious than others. Back in March of 2016, Trump declared that one of his promises was to rescue Richard Simmons. Speaking alongside the Jonathon Brandmeier Show, Trump said he was going to save Simmons, who was apparently held against will by a housekeeper at the time.

Trump revealed, “We have to get him out. We have to get him out. No question.”

Although Trump was making light of the situation, he certainly gained lots of media attention from the moment - one that only helped his campaign. As for Simmons himself, although he wanted out of the spotlight at the time, he did address the rumor and reassured fans he was doing just fine.

“No one is holding me in my house as a hostage,” Simmons said on NBC’s Today show. “I do what I want to do as I’ve always done. So people should sort of just believe what I have to say because, like, I’m Richard Simmons!”

Since then, Simmons had tried to stay away from the media as much as possible, and gave fans sporadic updates via Facebook and Twitter.

Richard Simmons had kept away from politics in recent years.

Fans are saddened over Simmons' passing, particularly that they didn't see one final interview from the former fitness guru.

Richard Simmons was invited to Capitol Hill back in 2008, speaking about children's fitness.

Howard Stern Admitted Richard Simmons Wanted Out Of The Spotlight Prior To His Passing

Let's be honest here, Howard Stern didn't treat Richard Simmons the best over the years. Simmons walked out of interviews with the host in the past, and was often a punching bag meant to give the audience a laugh.

However, in recent years, Stern visualized a serious interview with Simmons. Prior to his passing, both Stern and Gary Dell'Abate gave fans a heartwarming update on Simmons' life.

What did Dell'Abate say about Simmons' whereabouts?

• “I was corresponding with him because, listen, he’s done some really nice things for my family … and I just wanted to make sure he was okay,” Gary told listeners. “I was happy to hear from him. Happy to talk to him.”
• Gary added about Simmons' exhausting life, “He would spend all day writing letters to people and he would call people,” Gary said. “It’s exhausting.”

Robin Quivers also added that Simmons must've been tired of playing himself over the years, given how high energy he typically was.

As for Stern, he did grow sympathy for the late fitness guru over the years, and had plans to bring him back to the show.

“It would be great because everyone wants to know what’s going on with him,” Howard said. “I would like to do a serious interview with Richard Simmons and get to the bottom of all this stuff.”

Although fans wanted to see the interview, Richard Simmons rejected. The same has held true for other interview opportunities over the years.

Richard Simmons Had One Final Emotional Message Prior To His Death

Just hours before his death, Simmons had one last X and Facebook post:

In addition, just the day prior, Simmons thanked fans for all the birthday wishes.

"Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday. Love, Richard."

How did Richard Simmons feel about his health?

• "I feel good! I am grateful that I'm here, that I am alive for another day. I'll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people."

Fans overflowed Simmons' X page with special tributes:

• "One day after your 76 birthday #RichardSimmons you were called home. A bright shining light for so many! RIP always."
• "We love you Richard. I’m so happy you came back and we got to see that you were happy and at peace. If anyone deserves to be at Heaven’s Gates it’s you."
• "Happy birthday Richard! Thanks for all you’ve done to brighten people’s lives and make the world a better place!"

No foul play was suspected in Richard Simmons' passing.