Richard Simmons breaks silence

His spokes person told "beloved fitness icon is “living the life he has chosen.”

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Richard is eternally grateful for the continuous outpouring of love and gratitude

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Simmons, 74, published his own short note to Facebook

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Estey confirmed the message was personally composed by Simmons

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Richard made his last public appearance in February 2014, when he suddenly stopped teaching at his workout studio

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