Bobby Frey expressed his sorrow over Anne Burrell’s passing by sharing the “biggest gift” she gave him before her unexpected death.
The host of “Beat Bobby Flay” took to Instagram stories on Wednesday night to reflect on Burrell’s impact in a heartfelt tribute.
“The biggest gift I received from AB was her introduction to the world of Maine Coon Cats (including Nacho),” he noted.
Frey also shared a photo of Burrell with two of her beloved pets, Karico Maine Coon Cats.
He praised Burrell’s Food Network show, “The Worst Cook in America,” calling it “a really funny show.” Frey, who guest-starred on the series for four seasons, reminisced, “All of your co-hosts (including me) were just in line for Anne Burrell’s ride.”
Just two days prior to her passing, Frey celebrated Burrell’s affection for her cat, Nacho, posting about it on Instagram. He humorously captioned it, “Recipes made by Nacho: Take one chef, add the obsession of a cat for life, and simmer for decades.” Frey quipped, “It’s like a cat that looks like a cat.”
Burrell frequently shared pictures with her pets, mentioning her fondness for relaxing with her calico cat on her Brooklyn terrace last summer.
Frey wasn’t the only one to honor Burrell; many celebrities shared their tributes following her death, confirmed on Tuesday.
The 55-year-old chef was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment. Initial reports indicated she experienced cardiac arrest prior to her tragic death.
Her husband, Stuart Claxton, discovered her unresponsive in the shower on Tuesday morning. According to a law enforcement source, Claxton had seen her alive around 1 a.m. and called 911 shortly before 8 a.m. when he found her.
Burrell, who married Claxton in 2021, had just performed an improv show the night before in Brooklyn. Her family expressed their grief, stating she left behind a legacy as a “beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend.” They added, “Her smile brightened every room she entered.”
