On Wednesday, June 18, just one day after the 55-year-old celebrity chef was found "unconscious and unresponsive" in her New York home, the 60-year-old restauranteur paid his respects in a heartfelt tribute.
"Worst Cooks in America was the funnest show on TV. All of your co-hosts (me included) were just alongside for the Anne Burrell ride," Flay wrote of his colleague in a post on his Instagram Stories.
He continued, "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."
A single photo of Burrell and her cats accompanied his words.
The picture showed the Food Network star and New York Times bestseller sitting with a huge smile on her face as she hugged two calico Maine Coon cats inside of a home.
Flay recently shared his love for the felines on social media.
"The recipe for Made by Nacho: Take one chef, add lifelong cat obsession, simmer for decades ✨ This is what cat-dad-since-forever looks like," he captioned a joint Instagram post on Sunday, June 15, tagging his account and his orange Maine Coon, Nacho.
Like Burrell, Flay also had a Maine Coon, named Stella.
The Cook Like a Rock Star author served as a mentor on Worst Cooks in America for its entire run, beginning in 2010. Flay was among the rotating celebrity chefs who competed with Burrell, appearing in four seasons.
Many others shared tributes after learning of Burrell's death, including Rachael Ray, who was a bridesmaid in Burrell's October 2021 wedding to husband Stuart Claxton.
"I can't quite believe it -- such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon," Ray, 56, captioned an Instagram post.
The first image of her carousel showed the pair smiling as big as can be as Ray embraced Burrell on her wedding day. The close friends bonded during their time on Worst Cooks in America, with Ray giving a glimpse into their friendship throughout the years.
"I'll miss her friendship deeply. Everyone whose life she touched will miss her. Sending love to Stuart and everyone who knew and loved Anne. We've lost someone truly special," Roy wrote in her lengthy caption.
According to a 911 call report provided to PEOPLE by the New York City Fire Department, a person called in at 7:50 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, concerned that Burrell had suffered cardiac arrest.
Her official cause of death has not yet been confirmed by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.