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

foxnews.com:

Richard Simmons shared that he is "grateful" to be "alive" as he celebrated his 76th birthday Friday. In a rare interview, the fitness guru, who stepped away from the spotlight 10 years ago, told People magazine he will blow out a candle to mark the occasion. "But the candle will probably be on a zucchini," Simmons said. "You know, I'm a vegetarian." When asked how he feels about turning 76, Simmons exclaimed, "I feel good!" "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 big plans for the year ahead.

His representative told Fox News Digital the "Sweatin' to the Oldies" instructor is at work on his Broadway musical and has aligned with acclaimed producer and composer Patrick Leonard, who previously worked 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 health scare.Though Simmons has mostly retreated from the public eye, he stays in touch with his fans on social media and shares updates about his life.

In March, Simmons revealed to his followers he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. He took to Facebook to detail the moment he found out about the diagnosis and the procedure he underwent in an attempt to remove the cancer cells. "Mirror mirror on the wall what’s that blemish which is so small?