The culinary world mourned the loss of acclaimed Food Network star Anne Burrell, who passed away at the age of 55 on June 17, 2025. Burrell was known for her signature spiky blonde hair, vibrant personality, and shows like “Worst Cooks in America.” She is survived by her family, including her husband, Stuart Claxton.
Burrell often spoke fondly of Claxton, whom she married in 2021, calling him her “Prince Charming.” Their relationship, which began later in life for Burrell, was a source of evident joy for the chef.
Here’s what to know about Stuart Claxton and his life with Anne Burrell.
Who Is Stuart Claxton?
Stuart Claxton is a seasoned marketing and communications professional. As of January 2023, he serves as the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at NextUp. His career spans various prominent roles, including nearly 13 years at Guinness World Records and positions in corporate marketing at TIME and ad sales marketing at TelevisaUnivision (formerly Univision).
Born in Scotland in 1972, Claxton has a diverse international background, having previously lived in England, Spain, Mexico, and Hungary. He is also bilingual in Spanish. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Philosophy from Swansea University and a master’s degree in Media Management from the University of Stirling.
Beyond his professional life, Stuart Claxton is a father to a son, Javier, from a previous relationship. Javier, born around 2005, is approximately 20 years old and played a significant role in Anne and Stuart’s family life, even serving as best man at their wedding.
How Did Anne Burrell and Stuart Claxton Meet?
Anne Burrell and Stuart Claxton had a modern romance that began online. They connected on the dating app Bumble in 2018.
Claxton revealed to TODAY that he wasn’t aware she was a famous Food Network personality when they first started talking. He was immediately drawn to her upon meeting in person, stating that photos didn’t capture her true appeal. “When she sat down in front of me, I was like, ‘Wow, she’s so hot,’” he recalled, adding that he felt “when they made Anne, they broke the mold.”
Their Engagement Story
The couple’s relationship deepened significantly during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. They decided to quarantine together in Burrell’s hometown of Cazenovia, New York, alongside her family.
It was during this time, in April 2020, that Claxton proposed. He planned the moment carefully, first asking Burrell’s mother for her permission. He then orchestrated an intimate dinner at her mother’s apartment.
Burrell recounted in a PEOPLE interview that Stuart began making comments about a wedding reception playlist, which initially confused her. As the conversation turned to family and brought her to tears, Stuart presented the ring. The proposal came as a delightful surprise to Burrell, who was 50 at the time and hadn’t necessarily expected marriage after focusing on her career for so long.
Tying the Knot in Cazenovia
Anne Burrell and Stuart Claxton exchanged vows on October 16, 2021. The wedding took place at Windridge Estates in Cazenovia, New York, Anne’s beloved hometown.
The fall-themed ceremony incorporated personal touches Anne adored, including a horse-drawn carriage entrance, embracing what she called the “cheese factor.” The celebration was attended by close friends and family, with fellow celebrity chef Rachael Ray serving as a bridesmaid and Stuart’s son, Javier, standing beside his father as best man.
Family Life and Shared Passions
Anne embraced her role as a stepmother to Javier, and the three grew closer as a family, particularly enjoying time together during lockdown. Burrell often shared moments with Javier, including attending New York Rangers games and bonding over their mutual love for food and family time.
While Anne Burrell was a devoted stepmother, sources also confirm she was a mother to three children: Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas. Though their lives were kept largely private away from the spotlight, they were named in the official family statement released after Anne’s passing, highlighting their cherished place in her life.
Stuart and Anne shared their New York home with their beloved pet cats. Their cats, Nancy and Marcia, were often mentioned, and Anne shared the heartbreak of Marcia’s passing in October 2024. They later welcomed a new kitten named Lorraine, who was reportedly welcomed by Nancy. Just weeks before her passing, Anne shared a humorous video of Nancy grooming Stuart, illustrating the simple joys they shared.
Stuart Claxton survives Anne Burrell, alongside his son Javier, her children Isabella, Amelia, and Nicolas, her mother Marlene, her sister Jane, and her brother Ben. Her family and friends, including fellow chef Sandra Lee and the Food Network community, have shared heartfelt tributes remembering Anne’s vibrant spirit, warmth, and lasting impact on those she knew and the millions she touched globally.
