The latest in a series of rumors about fitness guru Richard Simmons — that he has been living as a woman named Fiona and has been undergoing hormone therapy to transition into a woman — was quashed by his publicist, Tom Estey.

Estey talked to a number of media outlets to deny the rumors, which were fueled by a National Enquirer cover story.

People quotes Estey saying: “It’s not true. He is not transitioning into a woman. He has decided to live quietly the last few years. He had knee surgery a few years ago and has a bum knee. He is still on Twitter and Facebook and works behind the scenes continuing to inspire and motivate people to lose weight. When he decides to come back, he will come back.”

The report follows a series of rumors that have circulated about Simmons in recent years, including one that Simmons was being held hostage in his home, as we reported back in March.

Simmons was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles last Friday, sparking another round of rumors. Us Weekly reports that he was said to be exhibiting bizarre behavior.

But Simmons was released over the weekend and assured his fans that he was fine, attributing the hospital visit to dehydration.

He posted a message on Facebook saying: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and concern after hearing I was in the hospital. I was dehydrated and needed some fluids and now I am feeling great! Summer is here — drink plenty of liquids. Big hugs and kisses for caring.”

People quotes Estey saying that Simmons “was in the hospital over the weekend for dehydration and was out the next day. He’s a human being. He was in the public eye for over three decades, but he deserves his privacy. He should be able to have a private life. He just needed a break. He is still taking care of the people who need his help.”