Rachael Ray Mourns The Loss Of Close Friend Anne Burrell In Emotional Tribute
on Jun 19, 2025
Food Network Star Anne Burrell Passed Away At The Age Of 55 On Tuesday, June 17
Burrell was reportedly found unresponsive in her New York City home, according to a statement released by her family.
Law enforcement sources shared that it was her husband, Stuart Claxton, who discovered her early that morning and called 911.
As of now, at the time of this writing, an official cause of death has not been confirmed.
Burrell was a professional chef and television personality, best known for her long-running role as the host of Worst Cooks in America for 27 seasons.
She also enjoyed spending her time doing improv. Burrell was seen performing in an improv show the night before her passing.
Rachael Ray Speaks Out About The Loss Of Her Good Friend Anne Burrell
During her time on the Food Network, Anne Burrell built lasting friendships with many of her colleagues.
One of her closest bonds was with fellow chef Rachael Ray, whom she first met while working together on Worst Cooks in America.
After Burrell’s sudden passing, Rachael Ray posted a tribute on her social media to honor her dear friend’s life.
“The news about Anne has truly shaken us. John and I are heartbroken,” Ray began, referring to her husband, John. ” I can’t quite believe it — such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon.”
Ray shared that her relationship with Burrell grew beyond just being coworkers. They became so close that Burrell asked Ray to be one of her bridesmaids at her 2021 wedding.
“Anne honored me by asking me to be her bridesmaid, something I’d only done once before for my 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. When we hosted Worst Cooks together, we had the most incredible laughs. She even cooked for me and my guests at my wedding anniversary in Italy.”
Ray continued, “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. Anne had great taste in music and in life — she was a force in the kitchen, in any room, in every life she touched.
“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.”
Burell is survived by her husband, Stuart, her children Isabelle, Amelia, and Nicolas, her stepson Javier, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane, and her brother Ben.
Our prayers are with Anne Burrell’s family during this devastating time.
