Gigi Hadid is deeply reflecting upon the bond she shared with her late friend, Anne Burrell. Following Anne's tragic passing at the age of 55 in her home on June 17, the supermodel offered a poignant tribute to the beloved Food Network star, with whom she had co-starred in the cooking competition series "Beat Bobby Flay" earlier in 2023. On June 17, Gigi posted a heartwarming photo from their joint TV appearance on her Instagram Story. In the snap, Gigi, donning a maroon sweater and her hair styled in a chic ponytail, sat beside Anne at a table. Anne, adorned in a V-neck shirt, a patterned scarf, and a striking bleached blond mohawk, appeared to be speaking animatedly, while Gigi beamed warmly at her side.
"I am absolutely devastated by the loss of the extraordinary Anne Burrell," Gigi captioned the image. "As a lifelong admirer, getting to share that magical day with her was a dream that had finally come true." The 30-year-old elaborated on the uniqueness of their time together, reminiscing about how they had "bested Bobby," "hung out," and "savored delicious meals" during the shoot. "I wish we could relive that day again," Gigi continued, her voice tinged with sadness. "She was truly incredible."
The founder of Guests in Residence added, "Rest in Peace, Legend." Earlier that same day, Anne's family confirmed to E! News that the celebrated chef, who had hosted Food Network series such as "Worst Cooks in America" and "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef," had passed away peacefully in her home.
"Anne's radiant light shone far beyond those she knew personally, touching the hearts of millions worldwide," her family's statement read. "Although she is no longer with us physically, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love will forever endure."
In the wake of this heartbreaking news, Gigi was not alone in honoring Anne's one-of-a-kind personality. Members of her Food Network family also paid tribute, with the cable channel expressing its profound sadness over her untimely demise.
"Anne was an exceptional individual and a culinary genius," the Food Network posted in a statement on Instagram. "She dedicated her life to teaching, competing, and always emphasizing the importance of food and the joy that a delicious meal can bring." Anne's co-star from "Chopped All-Stars Tournament," Aarón Sanchez, echoed these sentiments in his own Instagram post. "Her spirit, her fire, her unparalleled talent, her leadership, and her infectious laugh—they will forever be etched in my memory," he wrote. "I will cherish her memory always."
