Richard Simmons dispels troubling rumors: 'No one is holding me hostage'

No one is holding Richard Simmons hostage, according to Richard Simmons. 

The workout guru called in to the Today show Monday to dispel growing rumors that he's being held captive by his longtime housekeeper Teresa Reveles, bolstered by a lengthy story that ran in the New York Daily News over the weekend.

Simmons told Today's Savannah Guthrie that "no one is holding me in my house as a hostage. 

"I do what I wanna do, as I've always done," he continued. "People should sort of just believe what I have to say because I'm Richard Simmons."

Simmons hasn't been in the public eye for two years, raising concerns from friends, according to the NYDN feature. According to the paper, Reveles has essentially been controlling his life and turning away people who try to visit Simmons. 

But in his Today call, Simmons says Reveles has worked with him for 30 years: "It's almost like we're a married couple."

The 67-year-old fitness icon explained that he's been lying low because he wants to be "a little bit of a loner for a while." Simmons added that he has hurt his knees and is tired of travel.

"I just really don't want to do anything," he says.

"I just really don't want to do anything," he said. "I don't want to be traveling anymore. It's certainly taken its toll on me."

Instead, Simmons says he's taking time to go for walks and drives, as well as working out at his home gym. He's "enjoying this time by myself" and tells his fans he loves them and they shouldn't worry. 

Plus, he promises that his career's not over.

"You haven't seen the last of me," he said. "I'll come back, and I'll come back strong." 

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