In a heartfelt tribute, Food Network star Duff Goldman expressed his sorrow over the loss of his friend and fellow chef Anne Burrell, who tragically passed away earlier this week. Goldman took to Instagram on June 18 to share a touching message about their complex friendship, which began nearly two decades ago.
Goldman, 50, reflected on the nuances of their relationship, recalling a time when he reached out to Burrell during a difficult period in her life. He shared, “I’ve written and re-written this post so many times in the past 24 hours and I just don’t know what to say. Anne and I became friends in probably 2006. She was going through some stuff, and I had heard that she was feeling it, so on a trip to NYC from Baltimore, I made her a cake that said ‘Don’t let the bastards win.’ She never did.”
Their friendship had its ups and downs, but Goldman always wished the best for Burrell. He reminisced about their spirited debates, including a memorable conversation about catfish that showcased their lively dynamic. “We had a complex relationship, and I remember the last conversation we had before our paths drifted was a pretty feisty debate about the merits of catfish. I believe the words ‘trash fish,’ ‘tastes like mud,’ and ‘cake boy’ were used, haha,” he noted.
Despite the challenges in their friendship, Goldman cherished the moments they shared. He recounted running into Burrell at a gala event with his daughter after years of no contact. “Now, at this point, we hadn’t spoken in years, and I won’t go into what we talked about, but I will say that conversation left my heart lifted and full of light. It truly seemed to me that Anne really had found a measure of happiness and love,” he wrote.
Goldman emphasized Burrell’s resilience and strength, stating, “Life is tough, and we have to be tough to get through it. Anne was as tough as they come, but when you got past the armor, there was a depth of compassion and kindness that was absolutely beautiful.”
He concluded his tribute with a heartfelt wish for Burrell, saying, “My heart sings when I think of the love and tranquility that it seems Anne had found recently, and her genuine smile for my daughter and me in that lobby are what makes this tragedy just a little more bearable. Anne, wherever you are, I hope they have slow-moving rivers because when I get there, we’ll get a couple of rods, a pint of chicken livers, and a sixer, and I’ll teach you how to catch and cook the best catfish you ever had. Rest up, chef. ❤️”
The culinary world is mourning the loss of Anne Burrell, who was known for her vibrant personality and culinary talents. Rachael Ray, another prominent figure in the food industry, shared her grief, stating, “The news about Anne has truly shaken us. John and I are heartbroken.” Ray described Burrell as a beloved friend whose presence brought joy to many.
Burrell, 55, was found deceased in her Brooklyn home on June 17, and her family released a statement expressing their deep sorrow. “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” they shared. “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.”
In the days leading up to her untimely death, Burrell appeared to be enjoying life, sharing moments from her New York neighborhood on social media. Her passing has left a significant void in the culinary community, with many remembering her not just for her cooking skills but for her vibrant spirit and the love she shared with those around her.
As fans and friends alike come to terms with this loss, tributes continue to pour in, celebrating the impact Burrell had on the world of cooking and the lives she touched throughout her journey.