In the wake of rumors he’s being held hostage in his home, Richard Simmons has assured fans he has not been kidnapped — and is, in fact, gearing up to make a big comeback!

“Not to worry, [I’m] fine,” the 67-year-old star said during a phone interview on Today on Monday, March 14. “No one is holding me in my house as a hostage. I do what I want to do as I’ve always done.”

richard simmons' health

Richard in January 1992.

“I’ve taught, like, thousands and thousands of [fitness] classes and, you know, right now I just want to sort of just take care of me,” Richard continued. “I just really don’t want to do anything. I just don’t want to be traveling anymore. It certainly has taken its toll on me.”

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“You haven’t seen the last of me. I’ll come back and I’ll come back strong,” he added.

richard simmons

Richard at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Nov. 2013.

Richard was last seen in public in January 2014. After his noticeable retreat from the spotlight, fans began worrying for his health as past reports stated he was suffering from depression. “Richard is 100 percent fine,” his rep exclusively told Closer in February 2015. “Because he has been so visual and out they’re for so long, he wanted to take this time for himself. It’s a much-needed break.”