Fitness guru Richard Simmons, who left the public spotlight more than eight years ago, has thanked fans for their support following a recent TV special about his disappearance. The 74-year-old posted a photo on his Facebook page of a smiling emoji holding a thank you sign. The TV special, titled "TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons," aired on FOX and explored Simmons' rise to fame and his sudden departure from public life. It included interviews with Denise Austin, Suzanne Somers, Bruce Vilanch, and Leslie Wilshire, among others.

Simmons, who had been a prominent figure in the fitness industry for decades, abruptly stopped teaching at his workout studio in 2014 and has since retreated from public life.

His disappearance sparked the popular podcast "Missing Richard Simmons" and various conspiracy theories, including one that alleged he was being held hostage by his housekeeper.

According to a documentary, Simmons' withdrawal from the public eye was due to health reasons. In 2014, doctors allegedly advised him to undergo a left knee replacement, which would have rendered him unable to exercise if not done. However, Simmons reportedly developed a fear of becoming inactive and sank into a deep depression, leading him to retreat from the public eye. He has yet to undergo the corrective surgery and currently walks with a cane.

The documentary also claimed that Simmons wanted to be remembered as a vibrant, healthy man rather than an elderly individual with medical problems, which influenced his decision to disappear.

Simmons faced further challenges when tabloid publications alleged he was transitioning into a woman. In 2017, he filed lawsuits against two of these publications, stating that the allegations defamed him. Simmons has expressed support for transgender rights but denied the claims made against him.

The recent TV special described Simmons as a master of disguise who has cleverly found ways to live in plain sight while maintaining his privacy.

Although he has experienced some heartache, such as the passing of his eight Dalmatians, he has a fiercely loyal housekeeper and friend.

Simmons recently expressed excitement about a new generation being introduced to his classic exercise series, "Sweatin' to the Oldies." The show will be included in the programming lineup of the streaming channel Fuse Sweat.

Simmons' Facebook post thanking fans indicates that he appreciates their kindness and love, despite his absence from the public eye.