Bobby Flay remembers Anne Burrell and the gift that will last forever

In the wake of Anne Burrell’s sudden and tragic passing, tributes have poured in from across the culinary world. But few have struck as personal a chord as that of Bobby Flay. In a moving Instagram Story, the celebrity chef reflected not only on his late friend and fellow Food Network star’s infectious spirit but also on the unique and enduring gift she gave him: a deep love for Maine Coon cats—a connection that now lives on in his beloved feline companion, Nacho.

A friendship built on laughter, talent, and television

Anne Burrell wasn’t just a fixture on the Food Network—she was its firebrand. Her vibrant personality, platinum-blonde spiky hair, and no-nonsense kitchen swagger made her an instant icon. But behind the bold presence was a woman of great warmth and loyalty, traits her longtime friend and co-host Bobby Flay knew well.

“Worst Cooks in America was the funnest show on TV,” Flay wrote in his heartfelt tribute shared on June 18, just one day after Burrell, 55, was found unresponsive in her New York home. “All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride.”

Flay appeared in four seasons of Worst Cooks, a show Burrell helped define over its 14-year run. Through the chaos of kitchen mishaps and culinary challenges, a bond formed between the two chefs that extended well beyond the set. Their camaraderie was evident both on- and off-screen, a mutual respect woven together by years of shared experiences, friendly competition, and mutual admiration.

The unexpected gift: a feline legacy

In his tribute, Flay noted that one of the “greatest gifts” he received from Burrell wasn’t professional, but deeply personal. “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, pairing his words with a heartwarming photo of Burrell smiling alongside two majestic calico Maine Coons.

That connection runs deeper than a shared love for animals. Burrell and Flay found common ground in their affection for the oversized, affectionate, and often hilarious Maine Coon breed. Burrell’s fondness for the cats was well known to her close circle. For Flay, her enthusiasm became infectious. He eventually adopted his own Maine Coon, the now-famous Nacho, who’s since become a social media darling and even the face of Flay’s pet food brand, Made by Nacho.

Earlier this week, before Burrell’s death, Flay had posted a tribute to his own cat-dad journey: “Take one chef, add lifelong cat obsession, simmer for decades ✨ This is what cat-dad-since-forever looks like,” he wrote. The photo featured Flay with Nacho, a playful nod to the role cats—and perhaps Burrell—have played in shaping his softer side.

A loss felt deeply in the culinary world

Burrell’s sudden passing has left the culinary world reeling. According to the New York City Fire Department, a 911 call was made at 7:50 a.m. on June 17, with concerns that Burrell had suffered cardiac arrest. While her official cause of death has not been released by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, the impact of her loss is already being felt across the industry.

Rachael Ray, a close friend and bridesmaid in Burrell’s 2021 wedding to Stuart Claxton, shared her own emotional tribute on Instagram. “I can’t quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon,” Ray wrote alongside a photo of the two embracing on Burrell’s wedding day. “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.”

Burrell’s blend of fierce talent and big-hearted generosity left an indelible mark—not only on those she mentored and entertained but also on her peers, who often credited her with elevating the visibility of women in the professional kitchen. Her books, including Cook Like a Rock Star, inspired countless home cooks to channel their inner chef with flair and confidence.

More than just a chef, a true original

What made Anne Burrell a standout wasn’t just her culinary expertise—it was her essence. She had the rare ability to walk into a room and fill it with laughter, intensity, and purpose. Whether teaching kitchen-challenged contestants on Worst Cooks in America, writing bestselling cookbooks, or planning a picturesque wedding, Burrell gave everything she had, every time.

For Flay, her legacy isn’t just about the shows they did together or the stages they shared. It’s about the quieter, lasting gifts—the ones that live on through the little things. In his tribute, there’s a profound sense of gratitude, tinged with grief, that reflects the best kind of friendship: one that changes your life in unexpected ways and leaves you better than before.

“She was a force,” Flay’s message seems to say, even in its brevity. And in the quiet company of a Maine Coon named Nacho, her spirit continues to purr through the everyday joys of companionship, memory, and the enduring impact of a true original.