Anne Burrell found love later in life with husband Stuart Claxton — but their happy ending was cut short following her shocking death.
The Food Network star won over hearts and stomachs throughout her illustrious career as a chef, but it wasn’t until she was in her 50s that she found her perfect mate. Claxton proposed in 2020 after two years of dating, surprising Burrell in the process.
“I mean, I am 50. It didn’t seem it would be in the cards for me,” Burrell told Today Food after announcing their engagement. “I had always been so focused on my career. [Marriage] wasn’t something I thought of.”
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While Burrell wasn’t sure she’d ever walk down the aisle, Claxton knew once they met, she was The One. “When they made Anne, they broke the mold,” he told Today in the same interview.
Sandra Lee Mourns Death of Anne Burrell: ‘Larger Than Life’
Burrell and Claxton wed one year later. In the nearly four years that followed, the Worst Cooks in America host lived out her happily ever after with Claxton until Burrell’s loved ones announced her death at the age of 55 in June 2025.
Scroll down to relive Burrell and Claxton’s relationship from the start:
2018
The couple met on Bumble. “It was a wonderful surprise,” Claxton later told Today Food of swiping right on the Food Network star’s profile. “You know, on social, the photos are never as good as the real thing. When she sat down in front of me, I was like, ‘Wow, she’s so hot.’”
April 2020
“A tiny bit of good news in these crazy times…. We are engaged!!!” Burrell announced via Instagram, sharing a photo of her diamond engagement ring. “@stuartclaxton I am a VERY #luckygirl !!!”
October 2021
The pair tied the knot in Burrell’s hometown of Cazenovia, New York. Claxton’s son from a previous relationship, Javier, was his best man for the occasion. Burrell’s sister, Jane, as well as fellow celebrity chef Rachael Ray were two of her four bridesmaids.
November 2021
“Just SOOOOOOO much to be thankful for this year!!!” Burrell gushed via Instagram. “A new home, a wedding, a stepson, great family, great friends, good health, great fans and just so much more!!! I wish everyone a VERY happy Thanksgiving!!! Lots of love to all!!!
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August 2022
“Happy Birthday my Prince Charming!! You make me the happiest girl in the world!!!” the Best Thing I Ever Ate alum wrote via Instagram. “Good friends, lots of laughs and tons of love. @aurasole #theclaxtons #ilovewhatido #luckygirl.”
November 2022
The duo playfully faced off against one another while rooting for Team USA and Team Britain in the 2022 World Cup.
June 2023
“Happy Father’s Day my sweet @stuartclaxton!!! You are simply the best!!!#theclaxtons,” Burrell captioned an Instagram tribute to her spouse.
December 2023
Burrell and Claxton toasted to the end of the year with a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland.
May 2024
The New York native rooted for the Rangers at an NHL game where Claxton was her date.
August 2024
The celebrity chef was all smiles while visiting Sicily with her husband.
October 2024
The duo celebrated their third anniversary by attending a taping of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. “Happy anniversary my sweet — here’s to 3 years and 100 more. 
#theclaxtons #ilovewhatido #luckygirl,” Burrell captioned a series of Instagram photos from the occasion.
February 2025
Burrell and Claxton enjoyed a night out in New York City with Mark Pastore at The Corner Store, which she called “delightful and delicious,” according to a social media post.
June 2025
Burrell’s family confirmed her death on June 17. She was 55. “Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,” her family said in a statement obtained by Us Weekly. “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.”
She is survived by her mother, Marlene, and sister, Jane, along with husband Claxton and his son, Javier.
Us Weekly
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