Bobby Flay Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Anne Burrell: ‘The Greatest Gift I Got’

On June 17, friends, family, and fans of chef Anne Burrell were shocked at her sudden passing. The magnetic Food Network personality was beloved by many. One of the most emotional tributes was from her close friend and fellow chef, Rachael Ray.

“I can’t quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon,” she wrote. Bobby Flay, friend and fellow “Worst Cooks in America” chef, has also posted his praise of the star. He also says she gave him “the greatest gift” that will last forever.

Bobby Flay Posts Heartwarming Photo of Anne Burrell and Her Two Maine Coons

On June 18th, Bobby Flay took to his Instagram stories and posted a photo of Anne Burrell sitting in a chair with the biggest smile on her face. Her two Maine Coons in her lap: Nancy and Marcia.

“Worst Cooks in America was the funnest show on TV,” Flay wrote in the caption. “All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride.”

“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.”

The photo he used was one that Burrell had posted in July 2024, before Marcia died. In October, she posted a picture of the newest member of the family, Lady Lorraine Periwinkle.

Burrell loved her Maine Coons and often posted photos of them on her social media, chasing shadows or just being cute. The last time was on May 16, when she posted an adorable Instagram video of Nancy grooming her husband, Stuart’s, head.

Bobby Flay’s Love for His Adorable Maine Coons Is Well Documented

Bobby Flay’s love of Maine Coons has been well-documented over the past decade. In 2015, he brought home Nacho, the first cat companion he’d had in 30 years.

“I often wonder if I wasted three decades without a cat around my home,” he told CBS in 2017. “Especially when I look into Nacho’s eyes and I can almost hear his thoughts. He knows when I’m feeling a little under the weather, or I’m having a case of the blues.

“He makes me a softer and more understanding person, and just by his presence and affection,” he continued. “The world has a way of giving you what you need, and sometimes, a new best friend shows up when you need him the most.”

He even took his love for Nacho and created a line of cat food: Made by Nacho. While Nacho sadly passed away in 2023, he still regularly posts photos of his current Maine Coons: Conelo and Stella. He has also never forgotten Nacho and posts about him, as well.