Rachael Ray is mourning the loss of her dear friend Anne Burrell, following the beloved chef’s sudden death at age 55. “The news about Anne has truly shaken us. John and I are heartbroken,” the Meals in Minutes host wrote Wednesday, one day after Burrell passed away at her home in Brooklyn, New York.
“I can’t quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon.”
Ray affectionately called Burrell a “rockstar” and reflected on how their friendship had grown from working together on “Worst Cooks in America.” Their bond extended well beyond the set.
Anne Burrell’s Best Friend Shares Sweet Memory About Their Bond
In 2021, Ray served as a bridesmaid in Burrell’s wedding to Stuart Claxton — one of only two times she’s stood in for a friend.
“Anne honored me by asking me to be her bridesmaid, something I’d only done once before for my sister,” Ray wrote. “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. When we hosted Worst Cooks together, we had the most incredible laughs.”
Ray also shared that Burrell once cooked for her loved ones during an anniversary celebration in Italy.
Rachael Ray Reflects on Anne Burrell’s Spirit
“I’ll never forget walking into our dressing rooms at Food Network studios early in the morning and hearing her blasting the song of the moment down the hall,” Ray wrote, sharing a carousel of their precious time. “Anne had great taste in music and in life — she was a force in the kitchen, in any room, in every life she touched.”
She ended her moving tribute with: “I’ll miss her friendship deeply. Everyone whose life she touched will miss her. Sending love to Stuart and everyone who knew and loved Anne. We’ve lost someone truly special.”
Ray also shared photos from Burrell’s wedding and moments from their time on set together.
Anne Burrell Remembered on Rachael Ray’s Podcast
Six months before her passing, Burrell appeared on an episode of Ray’s “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” podcast. The two reminisced about their friendship and the special meaning of Ray’s role in Burrell’s wedding.
“I have to say, Anne, my own sister has been married a few times, and I only got to be in one of her weddings,” Ray said in the Dec. 3 episode. “The only person who ever asked me to be in their wedding other than my family member was you. It made me burst into tears. I was so honored to be there.”
Anne Burrell’s European “Pre-moon” Celebration
Before tying the knot, Burrell and Claxton hosted a “pre-moon/bachelorette situation” in Europe with their friends, including a stop at Ray’s home in Tuscany.
“I don’t know if I would say it was very bachelorette-y, but it was exactly what I wanted,” Burrell told People in 2021. “I will give up a Vegas vacation to stuff my face full of carbonara in Rome any day of the week.”
‘Her Smile Lit Up Every Room’: Anne Burrell’s Family Releases Statement After Her Death
Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton; stepson Javier; her mother, Marlene; sister Jane and her children Isabella, Amelia and Nicolas; and her brother Ben.
Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NYCWFF“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement. “Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
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Rachael Ray Honors ‘Fearless’ Friend Anne Burrell in Emotional Tribute