Diane Sawyer Recollects What Traditional Track Richard Simmons Quoted in His Final Textual content (Unique)

Diane Sawyer revealed the final messages she and Richard Simmons exchanged earlier than his loss of life. 

Simmons died at his Los Angeles residence on Saturday, July 13. He was 76.

The published journalist, 78, says she and the late health guru beforehand had “fantastic conversations.” Earlier than his loss of life, Simmons agreed to an interview with Sawyer, she says.

“I used to be really moved by Richard’s advanced perception into life and folks, together with himself — how we rise and the way we fall,” Sawyer tells PEOPLE. “I’ll all the time consider the room stuffed with flowers he despatched me and the way every bouquet having the identical observe: I belief you.”

“Richard’s final textual content to me was straight from the [Carole King] tune ‘You’ve Bought a Pal.’ Everytime you wish to speak, simply name out my title, and I will be there,” Sawyer says.

Simmons’ longtime publicist, Tom Estey, confirmed his loss of life to PEOPLE on Saturday.

“The world has really misplaced an angel,” Estey advised PEOPLE.

Two days earlier than his loss of life, Simmons spoke completely to PEOPLE in a uncommon interview, revealing how he was going to have fun his 76th birthday on Friday, July 12. 

“However the candle will in all probability be on a zucchini. You recognize, I am a vegetarian,” he mentioned earlier than including that he would attempt “possibly one Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie.”

“I really feel good!” Simmons mentioned. “I’m grateful that I am right here, that I’m alive for an additional day. I will spend my birthday doing what I do day-after-day, which is to assist individuals.”

Simmons defined to PEOPLE that his “dad and mom instilled” in him the necessity to assist others, including, “I used to be all the time embroidered with caring for individuals.”

He mentioned how “it is surprising” to listen to what his struggling followers would inform him. “Particularly when [people I talk to] are younger and so they really feel they don’t seem to be accepted. They usually really feel they don’t seem to be beloved. Then they wish to take their very own life. And belief me, I’ve made these cellphone calls.”

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Though Simmons had remained out of the general public eye since 2014, he remained in touch with followers as he selected “to reside a extra personal life,” Estey advised PEOPLE in 2017, including, “If he decides to return again, he’ll come again.”

Simmons deliberate on returning to the highlight, his brother Lenny advised PEOPLE, noting his brother “was very enthusiastic about all of his upcoming ventures he was engaged on.”

“I don’t need individuals to be unhappy about my brother,” Lenny mentioned. “I would like them to recollect him for the real pleasure and love he dropped at individuals’s lives. He really cared about individuals. He known as, wrote and emailed hundreds of individuals all through his profession to supply assist.”

“So don’t be unhappy. Rejoice his life,” Lenny continued.