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Bobby Flay Honors Anne Burrell’s Life and Legacy After Her Sudden Passing
The culinary world is mourning the unexpected loss of beloved chef and television personality Anne Burrell, who passed away at the age of 55 on June 17th. Among those deeply affected is fellow celebrity chef Bobby Flay, who paid tribute to his longtime friend with heartfelt words and memories.
Just one day after her passing, Flay took to Instagram to share a touching post that captured the essence of their unique friendship. Alongside a photo of Burrell cuddling two Maine Coon cats, he wrote, “The greatest gift I got from AB was turning me on to a world of Mun cats, including Nacho—a gift that I’ll have forever.” Nacho is Flay’s own treasured feline companion, a symbol of their enduring bond.
Flay also acknowledged the joyful spirit Anne brought to their time on television together. He praised her signature show Worst Cooks in America, saying, “Worst Cooks in America was the funnest show on TV. All of your co-hosts—me included—were just along for the Anne Burrell ride.”
Anne Burrell was found unresponsive in her New York City home early on June 17th. Emergency services responded to a 911 call at 7:50 a.m., reportedly citing concerns of cardiac arrest. While the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, her passing has sent shockwaves through the culinary and entertainment communities.
She is survived by her husband Stuart Claxton, stepson Javier, her mother, siblings, two nieces, and a nephew. In a family statement, loved ones remembered her as a “beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend,” whose “light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world.”
Just hours before her death, Anne had been performing with her improv troupe in Brooklyn, a sign of her enduring passion for life, laughter, and connection. Her legacy, like her laughter, lives on.
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Bobby Flay is speaking out on the loss of friend and fellow culinary star Anne Burrell. The A-list chef, 60, honored Burrell in a heartfelt tribute just one day after her shocking death at 55 years old, revealing the special legacy she and their friendship leave behind. Flay posted an Instagram story on June 18 that featured a photo of Burrell cuddling two Maine Coon cats, and he noted how he’ll never forget how she inspired his own love for the felines. “The greatest gift I got from AB was turning me on to a world of Maine Coon Cats (including Nacho)… a gift that I’ll have forever,” he wrote, referencing his own treasured Maine Coon. Flay also honored the fan-favorite Food Network show that made Burrell a household name. “‘Worst Cooks in America’ was the funnest show on TV. All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride,” Flay wrote. Burrell passed away on June 17 after being found unresponsive in her New York City home.