“I may or may not have followed her down the street for a minute… she is just lovely!!!”
Rosenthal, 84, is a beloved Brooklyn fixture known for dressing head-to-toe in green for over two decades. Their spontaneous meeting sparked a sweet connection between the two vibrant women. Rosenthal responded warmly the next day, inviting Burrell to her garden:
“Hi Anne, it was so much fun meeting you. See you again soon in the neighborhood… The only thing I make is coffee and fig preserves from my fig tree. Love and hugs.”
In a follow-up comment on Sunday, Rosenthal extended a heartfelt invitation to the chef:
“I would like to invite you to my garden and pick figs when they are ready in September… or just visit on a sunny day.”
But the joy of that brief connection would soon be overshadowed by devastating news.
On the morning of June 17, Anne Burrell passed away at her Brooklyn home. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but her family issued a heartfelt statement confirming the tragic loss:
“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.”
In the wake of her passing, Rosenthal—clearly moved by their brief but meaningful meeting—returned to Burrell’s final Instagram post with a tender message:
“Hi Anne… You are such a lovely person just to meet and not knowing you, I just love you. I’m so sorry… but come to my garden and visit with all your beauty and love. I will be waiting for you.”
Tributes have continued to pour in from fans, friends, and colleagues in the culinary world. The Food Network, where Burrell rose to fame through shows like Worst Cooks in America, shared a touching statement with The Post:
“Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing, and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends, and fans during this time of tremendous loss.”
Anne Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, her stepson Javier, her mother Marlena, her sister Jane, and her brother Ben.
Her final post—full of warmth, joy, and curiosity—stands as a poignant reminder of the way she lived: seeking joy in everyday encounters, connecting with those around her, and sharing beauty with the world.
