Richard Simmons reflected on his legacy in an interview two days before his death

In an interview a few days before his death, Richard Simmons reflected on his life, his legacy and his relationship with his fans.

The fitness icon spoke to People on July 11 — just one day before his 76th birthday and two days before he was found dead in his home — about how he has continued to help people despite being in a low profile in recent years.

“It’s a beautiful day today,” he told the outlet. “But nothing’s really different. I got up this morning. I prayed, counted my blessings and then went to work. You know? And text, answer emails — and when the emails are really extreme, I ask for their numbers and call them.”

He added: “I feel great because I’m helping people.”

Simmons said his desire to help others was instilled in him by his parents. He said although he has since retired, he never stopped doing what he loved.

“When I decided to retire, my body was telling me I needed to retire,” he said. “I spent time reflecting on my life. All the books I’ve written, the videos. I never thought, ‘Oh, look what I’ve done.’ I thought, ‘Oh, look how many people I’ve helped.'”

Although many consider Simmons a celebrity, he said he “never” saw himself as one.

“People don’t know that. I’m actually a shy person and a bit of an introvert. But when the curtain goes up, it’s a different story. I’m there to make people happy,” he said. “But the recognition I get via email. I mean, today we’ll most likely answer over 100 emails.”

Simmons continued, “And they’ll say, ‘I’m your biggest fan.’ And I just write back and say, ‘Don’t say that, because I’m human, just like you. And I know you do good things, too.'”