Rachael Ray, Shirley Chung, & More Stars Pay Tribute to Food Network Chef Anne Burrell #26

Grief continues to ripple through the culinary community as tributes pour in for Anne Burrell. Fellow chefs and television personalities are remembering her bold spirit, generosity, and the meaningful relationships she nurtured throughout her career.

“Top Chef” alum Shirley Chung posted a series of photos on Instagram, reflecting on the honor of cooking alongside Burrell and expressing gratitude for her mentorship.

The series included moments of camaraderie, such as the two chefs posing together backstage, Burrell plating dishes mid-competition, and the group relaxing between takes while knitting, snacking, and laughing.

One image showed Burrell blowing out candles on a birthday cake, surrounded by cast and crew. Another captured her seated confidently in a dramatic set chair, smiling and raising her hand in a signature display of enthusiasm.

In disbelief over the loss, Chung recalled one of their final conversations, “We were just texting about eating tacos and knitting blankets last week, we were going to celebrate our new life….”

“30-Minute Meals” star Rachael Ray also expressed her grief in a deeply personal message. “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,” she wrote.

Ray reflected on how their professional relationship, formed over multiple seasons of “Worst Cooks in America,” gradually deepened into a meaningful personal friendship. She recalled the joy they found in working together and shared a fond memory of Burrell preparing a special meal for her wedding anniversary in Italy.

One moment that captured Burrell’s vibrant spirit, Ray said, was arriving early at the Food Network studios and hearing music echoing through the hallways — the late chef’s way of starting the day with energy and enthusiasm.

Their bond grew so strong that Burrell asked Ray to be a bridesmaid — an honor Ray had previously reserved only for her sister, highlighting the closeness they shared.

Additional tributes came from fellow chefs and personalities. Another “Top Chef” star, Carla Hall, told People that Burrell was “fierce, funny, and an incredibly talented cook and teacher,” someone who brought “fire and joy” to every endeavor. Hall said she felt fortunate to have worked with her on “Worst Cooks” and in nonprofit efforts.

“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” star Carson Kressley, who collaborated with Burrell on “Worst Cooks in America” and “BBQ Brawl,” described her as a passionate chef whose cooking expressed her love for people.

“She was an amazing chef and teacher,” he said. “She loved people and her cooking was a way of showing that.”

As tributes from friends and colleagues continue to honor Burrell’s life and legacy, new details have emerged about the circumstances surrounding her sudden death. According to TMZ, Burrell was discovered unconscious in the shower of her New York City home by her husband, Stuart Claxton, early Tuesday morning.

Law enforcement sources reported that Claxton last saw her alive around 1 a.m. and discovered her body roughly six to seven hours later. He immediately called 911 for assistance.

Emergency dispatchers instructed Claxton to begin CPR, but according to the report, her body was already cold by the time he found her. It remains unclear whether any resuscitation efforts were made.

A spokesperson for the New York City Fire Department confirmed that the incident was initially reported as a cardiac arrest. The official cause of death is still under investigation by the medical examiner.

As previously reported, emergency responders found Burrell unresponsive in her home, and paramedics attempted to revive her but were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Burrell is survived by Claxton and his son, Javier. She also leaves behind her mother, Marlene; her sister, Jane; her brother, Ben; and her children, Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas.

In a statement, her family said, “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered. 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.”

That warmth was evident even in her final days, as she remained publicly engaged and characteristically joyful.

Just five days before her death, Burrell shared a cheerful post on Instagram on June 12. “I ran into @greenladyofbrooklyn in my neighborhood today!! I’m not going to lie- I have been keeping an eye out for her. I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute. She is just lovely!!! #ilovewhatido #luckygirl 💚💚💚,” she wrote.

In April, she offered what would become one of her final in-depth reflections on her culinary outlook during an interview with TastingTable.

Burrell spoke about the emotional relationship between a cook and their food, an idea that shaped her approach both on and off-screen. “I truly in my heart feel that your food knows how you’re feeling when you cook it and it reacts accordingly,” she said.

She believed cooking should be enjoyable, not intimidating. Working with beginners on “Worst Cooks in America,” she emphasized creating a supportive environment. Her goal was to help people feel confident in the kitchen by focusing on fun over fear. She brought positivity to her approach and encouraged others to see mistakes as part of learning.

She also valued discipline and preparation. “Find a recipe for it. Don’t just try to wing it. Find a recipe, read several recipes, and pick out the one that you feel most comfortable with or the one that you like the best, and then read it from beginning to end before you start cooking,” she advised.

Burrell emphasized staying organized in the kitchen. She advised preparing all ingredients in advance — mise en place — and cleaning as you go to reduce stress and keep the process smooth. This approach helps avoid a mess and allows for a calmer cooking experience. She also stressed tasting food while cooking to ensure proper flavor.

Burrell’s commitment to encouragement, authenticity, and sharing her passion was evident both in her final interview and in her casual interactions with fans. In January, when asked on Instagram why she wasn’t appearing on the “Worst Cooks in America,” she responded candidly, “Honestly I don’t know. 🤷🏼‍♀️😑❤️.”

In addition to “Worst Cooks in America,” the Cazenovia native was widely recognized for hosting “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” “All-Star Best Thing I Ever Ate,” and “Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell.” She also made appearances on “Iron Chef America.”

A 1996 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she built a reputation for her energetic teaching style and unapologetic flair in the kitchen.

Outside of her professional achievements, Burrell often expressed joy in her personal life. In a March 2023 interview with People, she and her husband, Claxton, reflected on their relationship.

Burrell shared, “I have to say, I love being married. We’re together all the time because Stuart works from home. It’s the being together all the time, but it’s also the adventure together.” Claxton remarked, “It’s been wonderful, to say the least.”

The couple met on Bumble in 2018 and became engaged in April 2020 while quarantining with Burrell’s family in Cazenovia, New York. They married in October 2021 at Windridge Estates Redbarn 20, surrounded by loved ones and close friends, including fellow Food Network chefs and TV personalities.

Their post-wedding chapter included moving in together for the first time and settling into a renovated apartment in Brooklyn. “We’ve been getting the marital home set up,” Burrell said. “And it’s just been so fun to see that all come together.”

Looking ahead, the couple spoke about their hopes for more shared experiences, from home-cooked meals to karaoke nights and travel. “I’m looking forward to taking a trip — just the two of us,” Burrell added.