Celebrity chef and TV host Rachael Ray shared an emotional tribute on Instagram following the passing of her dear friend and fellow Food Network star, Anne Burrell. In a touching message, Rachael reflected on their friendship, the joy Anne brought into her life, and the deep loss felt by so many.
“The news about Anne has truly shaken us. John and I are heartbroken. I can’t quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon,” Rachael wrote.
Anne Burrell was widely loved for her work on Food Network shows like Worst Cooks in America. Over the years, she and Rachael became much more than colleagues. Their bond grew stronger through shared experiences on and off camera.
“Anne was a rockstar! I came to know her well through multiple seasons of Worst Cooks, and she became so much more than a colleague.”
Rachael revealed that Anne honored her by asking her to be a bridesmaid at her wedding — something she had only done once before, for her sister.
“Despite being surrounded by incredible chefs, she never once made me feel self-conscious about not being one — she always treated me as one of the gang.”
The two shared many special moments, including Anne cooking for Rachael and her guests during her wedding anniversary in Italy. Rachael also fondly recalled hearing Anne blast music down the hall at the Food Network studios early in the morning.
“Anne had great taste in music and in life — she was a force in the kitchen, in any room, in every life she touched.”
In closing, Rachael expressed how deeply she will miss her friend and extended her love to Anne’s husband, Stuart, and everyone who loved her.
“I’ll miss her friendship deeply. Everyone whose life she touched will miss her. We’ve lost someone truly special.”
Who Was Anne Burrell?
Anne Burrell was a beloved celebrity chef best known for her signature blonde spiky hair, bold personality, and exceptional culinary talent. She hosted and co-hosted several Food Network programs, including Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America, and was admired for her ability to teach, entertain, and inspire.
Final Thoughts
Anne Burrell’s passing is a profound loss to the culinary world and to the many people whose lives she touched. Rachael Ray’s tribute highlights not only the professional legacy Anne leaves behind but also the personal warmth and unforgettable presence she brought into every space she entered. Her memory will live on in the hearts of many.
