Richard Simmons has been on the tongues of countless of concerned fans — partly due to the hit podcast Miss Richard Simmons (which ultimately gave the public an excuse to pry into his privacy unwarranted).

The beloved fitness entrepreneur and TV personality hasn’t been seen publicly, and allegedly by his closest friends, in a while. Many thought it was because he was being held captive by his housekeeper, while others thought it was because he was transgender and is in the middle of a physical transition. But his brother, Lenny Simmons, spilled the tea.

“My brother is fine,” he said to People magazine. “He’s not sick. There’s nothing medically wrong with him at all. My wife Cathy and I were out there for Christmas and spent five days with him and I can assure you, he’s not transitioning into anything but himself… After 40-some odd years, he just decided that he wants to rest. He’s 68 years old now and he’s in good health, but he just wants time for himself.”

Richard’s spokesman Tommy Estey added, “He’s helped millions of people lose millions of pounds. And for 40 years, he took care of everyone but himself.”

His longtime manager Michael Catalano said he looks great, is staying slim and is in good health, though he probably gave up his signature shorts and tank top.

Last summer, he was hospitalized for dehydration. And many of his friends have come out to say they can’t reach him, relying on his housekeeper for updates.

As far as rumors of him transitioning, Michael Catalano confirmed Richard thought it was funny: “I said to him the other day, ‘There are people that think you are a very overweight, depressed woman.’ And he laughed. He just laughed.” However, he was still hurt by the rumors, reports People, which were first mentioned in the National Enquirer and egged on by the Missing Richard Simmons podcast.

“That was absolutely untrue, hurtful, and very, very damaging to Richard personally,” Michael said. “He’s very aware of what’s happening, you know, but it’s tough… It was always about everybody else first, and I think this is a little bit reflection time. It doesn’t mean he’s done, but for now, he’s enjoying the time away from the public.”