Richard Simmons celebrates 76th birthday, says he’s ‘grateful’ to be ‘alive for another day’ after skin cancer

Richard Simmons shared that he’s “grateful” to be “alive” as he celebrated his 76th birthday Friday.

In a uncommon interview, the health guru, who stepped away from the highlight 10 years in the past, informed People journal he’ll blow out a candle to mark the event. 

“But the candle will probably be on a zucchini,” Simmons mentioned. “You know, I’m a vegetarian.” 

Richard Simmons is celebrating his 76th birthday. (Rodrigo Vaz/Getty Images)

When requested how he feels about turning 76, Simmons exclaimed, “I feel good!”

RICHARD SIMMONS REVEALS SKIN CANCER DIAGNOSIS

“I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day,” he continued. “I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.”  

Simmons already has large plans for the 12 months forward. His consultant informed Fox News Digital the “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” teacher is at work on his Broadway musical and has aligned with acclaimed producer and composer Patrick Leonard, who beforehand labored with music icons Madonna, Elton John, Bon Jovi and Michael Jackson, to compose the music.

The former “The Richard Simmons Show” host’s birthday celebration comes months after he had a well being scare. Though Simmons has largely retreated from the general public eye, he stays in contact together with his followers on social media and shares updates about his life. 

In March, Simmons revealed to his followers he had been recognized with skin cancer. He took to Facebook to element the second he came upon in regards to the prognosis and the process he underwent in an try to take away the cancer cells. 

The health guru mentioned he’s “grateful” to “be alive for another day.” (Bobby Bank/WireImage)

“Mirror mirror on the wall what’s that blemish which is so small? There was this strange looking bump under my right eye. I had a tube of neosporin which I would put on in the morning and the evening…. it was still there. It was time to call my dermatologist,” Simmons wrote within the prolonged put up. 

“I sat in his chair and he looked at it through a magnifying mirror. He told me he would have to scrape it and put it under the microscope. Now I am getting a little bit nervous.

“He comes again about 20 minutes later and says the C phrase. You have cancer,” he continued. “I requested him what sort of cancer and he mentioned. Basel Cell Carcinoma. I informed him to cease calling me soiled names. He laughed.”

Simmons said he was advised to seek treatment from a “cancer physician” as soon as possible. 

The former fitness coach paid a visit to Dr. Ralph A. Massey and underwent a procedure in which the doctor had to “burn” his skin with a small instrument to “take away the cancer cells.”

“As he began burning my skin a tear dropped down my cheek,” Simmons wrote. “You can’t cry throughout this and he wiped my tear. The burning actually damage my skin. It lasted about half-hour.”

Simmons said he was told to return in “an hour and a half” to see if the cancer had been removed successfully. 

“After driving across the metropolis, I went again to some unhappy information,” he concluded. “I didn’t get all of it out. He burned my face once more. This time was worse than earlier than… It was deeper. I didn’t cry this time however I did grit my tooth. ‘Come back in another hour and a half.’… .to be continued…”

The following day, Simmons shared a constructive replace together with his followers on Facebook. “Well the third time was a appeal,” Simmons wrote, adding that his doctor told him, “We bought all of the cancer cells out.”

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He defined that his physician then stitched up his face, noting “it took about 45 Minutes and I used to be achieved.”

“Because of his superb work I don’t have a scar,” Simmons added of his doctor.

Simmons concluded his post by imploring his fans to be proactive about their health.

“I do know a few of you studying this have had cancer or have identified somebody in your life who has had cancer. Promise me you will note your physician and get a whole verify up,” he wrote.

Simmons revealed his prognosis sooner or later after he apprehensive his followers when he shared a cryptic message on Facebook saying, “I’ve some information to inform you. Please don’t be unhappy. I’m…. dying.” 

He added, “Oh I can see your faces now. The reality is all of us are dying. Every day we stay we’re getting nearer to our dying.”

Simmons continued his post by asking a question. 

“Why am I telling you this? Because I would like you to get pleasure from your life to the fullest each single day. Get up within the morning and have a look at the sky… depend your blessings and revel in.”

Simmons previously revealed he had been diagnosed with skin cancer but later shared the cancer cells had been successfully removed. (Getty Images)

He also shared his recommendations for leading a healthy lifestyle, which included the advice to “occasionally, have dessert.”

“There is one thing else essential that you could do,” he added. “Tell those that you just love that you just love them. Hug these folks and youngsters who you actually care for. An enormous hug actually goes a good distance.”

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During his interview with People magazine, Simmons said he planned to allow himself a small dessert in honor of his birthday.

“OK, superb. Maybe one Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie,” Simmons said. “But only one.”

Fox News Digital’s Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.