Bobby Flayis breaking his silence on the death of friendAnne Burrell. The legendary chef and Food Network personality paid a heartfelt tribute to his colleague Burrell, 55, whodied June 17. The "Worst Cooks in America" host's sudden death hasshocked her fans, colleagues and celebrity admirersalike. "'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 in hisInstagram storyover a picture of Burrell with two large Maine Coon cats. "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." Flay closed out the post with the hashtag "#unforgettable." Burrell, known for her buoyant personality on numerous Food Network appearances, including as host of "Worst Cooks," died on June 17 at her home in New York, the Food Network confirmed. A cause of death was not revealed in the press release and has not been announced by authorities. "A beautiful soul"Anne Burrell remembered by Gigi Hadid, Food Network colleagues "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," a Food Network spokesperson said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Anne's family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss." The New York-bred chef made her Food Network debut in 2005 on the cutthroat competition series "Iron Chef America," serving as a sous chef for Iron ChefMario Batali. She also hosted the show "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef" from 2008-12. She has been the face of "Worst Cooks" since 2010. In addition to the post from Flay,tributes have pouredin since the news of Burrell's death broke. Tyler Florence, who co-starred with Burrell on "Worst Cooks,"said he was"heartbroken," recalling her "razor wit and sincere kindness" and noting that she "lit up the room." Fellow Food Network starCarla Hallsaid on Instagramthat she "absolutely loved" working with Burrell, 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." Contributing: Brendan Morrow, Edward Segarra This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Anne Burrell's death: Bobby Flay pays sweet tribute