It seems things are turning around for Richard Simmons after a whirlwind few years.

The fitness mogul — who hasn’t been publicly seen since 2014 — celebrated his 69th birthday on Wednesday, July 12 with “family and friends,” Us Weekly reported. We’re glad to hear Richard enjoyed his special day after tons of allegations from the media recently.

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It all began in November 2016 when he announced he’d be closing his fitness studio after 42 years. “I have never been very good with beginnings and endings. This may come as a surprise to some of you but I am not the most patient person. I just can’t wait for a movie to start, or a new restaurant or business to open, or for class to begin. Hurry up already!” he said in a statement at the time. “When I opened Slimmons in 1974, I simply couldn’t wait to tell everyone that food could be healthy AND delicious or that exercise could be fun!”

MORE: Go Inside Richard Simmons’ Battle with Depression

Soon after, it was reported that Richard was being held hostage in his own home by his maid, Teresa Reveles. “Teresa has been working with him for 27 years. So, holding him hostage is the biggest, I mean… Teresa is the housekeeper, she’s the caretaker, she is extraordinary, she is amazing, she takes impeccable care of Richard and she has for as long as I have been working with Richard. So that is a complete load of crap,” his rep said in March.

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To top it off, in April, Richard was hospitalized for severe indigestion. Soon after returning home, Richard assured his fans that he’s not missing by breaking his silence on Facebook.

“Hope you’re having a beautiful Sunday. I wanted to take a moment to send a big thank you to the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at Cedars Sinai Medical Center during my short stay there this week,” he wrote. “They make you feel good even though you’re in the hospital for feeling bad.”

We’re glad to hear Richard is doing well — and we hope to see him soon!