(NewsNation) — Bobby Flay posted on Instagram after Anne Burrell’s death to reveal the “greatest gift” she gave him.
The host of “Beat Bobby Flay” said in his Instagram story, “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.” Flay has a pet cat named Nacho.
The post also showed a photo of Flay and Burrell cudding two of Burrell’s Calico Maine Coon cats. The 60-year-old chef went on to talk about Burrell’s series, “Worst Cooks in America,” saying it is the “funnest show on TV.”
Flay was a guest on four seasons of the Food Network series. “All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride.”
Anne Burrell dies in New York City apartment
Burrell, 55, was found dead in her New York City apartment on Tuesday. According to People.com, it is thought that Burrell died of cardiac arrest. The call report from the New York City Fire Department showed that someone called just before 8 a.m., concerned about Burrell’s well-being.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 22: Anne Burrell attends as City Harvest Presents The 2025 Gala: Carnaval at Cipriani 42nd Street on April 22, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images) 
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 10: Chef Anne Burrell poses during the Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One – Dinner with Anne Burrell and Marc Murphy part of the Bank of America Dinner Series at Chefs Club on October 10, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for NYCWFF) 
TODAY — Pictured: (l-r) Bobby Flay, Ann Burrell — (Photo by: Charles Sykes/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images) 
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 14: Chef Anne Burrell prepares a dish at the Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Coca-Cola – Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite featuring Samsung® culinary demonstrations presented by Mastercard at Pier 94 on October 14, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for NYCWFF) 
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 17: Chef Anne Burrell attends the Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite featuring Samsung culinary demonstrations presented by MasterCard – Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE at Pier 94 on October 17, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for NYCWFF) 
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 19: Chef Anne Burrell poses with her book “Own Your Own Kitchen” at the Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite featuring KitchenAid® culinary demonstrations presented by MasterCard during the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival Presented By FOOD & WINE at Pier 94 on October 19, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NYCWFF) 
MIAMI BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 22: Chef Anne Burrell signs books at the KitchenAid Culinary Demonstrations during the 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE at Grand Tasting Village on February 22, 2015 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for SOBEWFF) 
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 11: Anne Burrell and Rachael Ray attend the Blue Moon Burger Bash presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats hosted by Rachael Ray at Pier 97 on October 11, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for NYCWFF) 
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 10: Chefs Marc Murphy and Anne Burrell pose during the Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One – Dinner with Anne Burrell and Marc Murphy part of the Bank of America Dinner Series at Chefs Club on October 10, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for NYCWFF)
“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,” Burrell’s family said in a statement.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not confirmed Burrell’s cause of death. She is known for “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef,” “Chef Wanted, “Worst Cooks in America,” and “Beat Bobby Flay.”