Anne Burrell remembered by Gigi Hadid, Food Network colleagues: 'A beautiful soul'

Tributes are pouring in for Food Network star Anne Burrell, who is being remembered as an "incredible" chef and a "beautiful soul."

Burrell, known for her buoyant personality on numerous Food Network appearances including as host of "Worst Cooks in America," died on June 17 at her home in New York, the Food Network confirmed. A cause was not disclosed. She was 55.

In an Instagram story, Gigi Hadid, who joined Burrell on an episode of "Beat Bobby Flay" in 2020, said she was "heartbroken" about the chef's death. "As a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true," Hadid wrote on top of a photo from their episode. The model added, "I wish we could have done it again. She was awesome. Rest in peace legend."

Food Network stars mourn Anne Burrell

Tyler Florence, who co-starred with Burrell on "Worst Cooks in America," said he was"heartbroken," recalling her "razor wit and sincere kindness" and noting that she "lit up the room."

"A very special person who shared her love of cooking with a generation," Florence wrote. "I was lucky to have a front row seat to watch her gift. She was an incredible Chef and I learned a lot from her as we all do with one another."

"Worst Cooks in America" stars Beau MacMillan and Robert Irvine also paid tribute on Instagram. MacMillan said that "some of the most fun and best memories are with" Burrell, while Irvine wrote that she "was a radiant spirit who lit up every room she entered."

"Outside of 'Worst Cooks' I came to know her as a generous and supportive colleague and an even better friend," Irvine wrote. "I'll always remember her unwavering dedication, not just to food, but to lifting others up. She believed in nurturing culinary potential and celebrating small victories, whether in an amateur cook or on a charity fundraiser."

Carla Hall also said on Instagram that she "absolutely loved" working with Burrell on "Worst Cooks in America," describing her as a "fierce" chef and instructor and remembering her "unforgettable big smile." Hall added, "Anne, you brought so much heart and heat to every kitchen. You. Will. Be. Missed."

Buddy Valastro, the star of "Cake Boss," said in an Instagram post that Burrell's "passion, energy, and love for food lit up every kitchen," adding that she was a "true force and a beautiful soul."

Chef Elizabeth Falkner wrote that she was "in shock" to hear about Burrell's death. One of Burrell's final Instagram posts was about a "delightful evening" the two shared, and Falkner noted they "just reconnected" last week and said they would "make a point of talking more often and getting together when we can."

"She was a fierce and fun culinary competitor and when we did 'Next Iron Chef' together years ago, we were competitive but we had fun too," Falkner wrote.

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A Food Network spokesperson previously said in a statement that Burrell 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."