Anne Burrell’s Heartfelt Gift to Gabe Bertaccini Before Her Passing

Anne Burrell shared a heartfelt moment with her Worst Cooks in America co-host Gabe Bertaccini shortly before her passing in June.

Bertaccini, 39, recounted one of his last exchanges with Burrell, who passed away on June 17 at the age of 55, during an interview with TV Insider released on Thursday, July 24. He shared that the Food Network chef gifted him something special while they were filming the final season of Worst Cooks in America — Burrell’s last television project.

“It was the finale. Everyone was exhausted after weeks of shooting, and I fell ill with a cold,” Bertaccini explained. “During the production meeting, Anne handed me a card that read, ‘I hope you feel better.’ Inside, she included a cute little heart she had crocheted. She loved knitting while waiting for shoot times; it was her way to relax.”

The Ciao House chef mentioned that he “still” treasures the heart.

“It was such a lovely gesture, completely unnecessary,” he continued. “That’s what made Anne special. She had no ego or sense of competition. Taking the time to do something so thoughtful for her co-host is a wonderful memory I’ll carry with me.”

Anne Burrell died by suicide, as confirmed by Us Weekly on Thursday. Her family previously released a statement about her passing.

“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” read the statement. “Her light extended far beyond those she knew, impacting millions. Although she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and immense love will endure.”

She was found unresponsive at her residence in Brooklyn, New York, and was pronounced dead “at the scene,” as per a New York City Police Department spokesperson’s statement to Us.

Subsequently, it was revealed that the NYPD was investigating a potential overdose as her cause of death, after being “found in the shower unconscious and surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills,” according to an internal document obtained by The New York Times.

Us confirmed that the cause of death was “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine,” based on information from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York City.

In his recent interview, Bertaccini expressed admiration for Burrell’s “genuine nature” and her effort to stay connected with everyone from the show after filming concluded.

“There are numerous people who worked on this who will attest to her authenticity. I adored her,” he reflected.

Bertaccini expressed his hope to honor Burrell when the new season of Worst Cooks in America airs this summer.

“I believe that’s how we should approach this season — with love and celebration for Anne. That’s my perspective,” he said. “I had a chance to view the screener for the premiere, and the first five minutes were challenging for me, filled with memories of our time together.”

He continued, “But that sentiment was soon overshadowed by the joy visible in Anne’s expression. She had the opportunity to engage with these novice cooks in the Food Network realm. We’re looking at it as a way to honor who Anne was and share in the excitement of her joy and passion for what she did. It adds a unique touch to see her thriving in her element.”

Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible premieres on Monday, July 28, at 9 p.m. ET on Food Network. Viewers can stream it the following day on HBO Max.

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