Richard Simmons thanks fans for 'overwhelming' support on Facebook

Richard Simmons hopped on Monday’s Today show to let the world know he was not, in fact, being held hostage in his home. Rather, the 67-year-old fitness pro says he has taken some time away from the limelight while working on some projects.

Regardless, Simmons says he is very grateful for his fans who reached out with encouraging messages.

“The support and love I have felt these past few days can only be described as overwhelming,” he wrote on Facebook after his interview. “This page has allowed me to both stay in touch with my amazing fans as well as take the private time I want and need for myself right now. But I’m not going anywhere. So thank you all SO MUCH for following, caring, commenting and, most importantly, still smiling.”

The New York Daily News reported that Simmons was being held in his home against his will, possibly by his longtime housekeeper Teresa Reveles. Simmons told Today that scenario is “just very silly. Teresa Reveles has been with me for 30 years; it’s almost like we’re a married couple.”

Simmons’ rep spoke on the matter Sunday, calling the reports “untrue and preposterous.”