RACHAEL Ray has briefly addressed the recent speculation surrounding her health.
Rachael’s latest appearance on her Italian-inspired cooking show sparked concern among fans, after she appeared to slur her words.
In the latest episode of Rachael Ray in Tuscany, the 58-year-old celebrity chef paid tribute to her friend, the iconic singer Tony Bennett, by sharing the recipe for his favorite dish.
After a short clip from the show was posted on Instagram, Rachael’s followers noticed her speech was “slurred” during parts of the video.
“Omg is she ok? What happened?” one fan reacted to the Instagram post.
Another wrote, “This is concerning. Something is not right.”
Others defended the Food Network star, with one person writing, “She got emotional talking about her friend is all.”
Another user added, “She’s aging like the rest of us. Maybe she has a medical condition, maybe she is on medication. Regardless, no need to be mean.”
RACHEL’S RESPONSE
A representative for the celebrity chef recently declined to comment on the rumors in a statement to TMZ on Wednesday, September 4.
Meanwhile, Rachael brushed off fears for her health and returned to social media with a brand new recipe for her fans later that night.
The star of 30 Minute Meals shared the instructions for making her shrimp and chorizo paella and “put a little pep in Wednesday night’s dinner pep” on Instagram.
“Hope you are doing okay,” one person commented under Rachael’s latest post, while other users expressed their excitement to try the Spanish rice dish.
Rachael catapulted to national fame as the host of her eponymous Food Network program The Rachael Ray Show that first premiered in 2006.
RACHAEL ON TV
The syndicated daytime show ran for 17 seasons before it was cancelled last year, as fans lamented it was the “end of an era.”
“I’ve made the decision that it’s time for me to move on to the next exciting chapter in my broadcast career,” Rachael told Deadline at the time.
Rachael Ray Television Shows
Rachael Ray has been on TV since 2001, cooking up recipes and working with other celebrity chefs. Here are the TV programs that she has hosted
30 Minutes Meals – 2001 to 2012, Food Network
Rachael Ray – talk show, 2006 to 2023, USA Network
Rachael’s Vacation – 2008, Food Network, five-part mini-series
Rachael Ray’s Week in a Day – reality TV cooking show, 2010, Food Network
Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off – co-hosted with Guy Fieri, 2012, Food Network
Rachael Ray in Tuscany – 2024 to present, USA Network
Shortly after, the Daytime Emmy award winner announced the launch of her production company Free Food Studios, in collaboration with Intentional Content.
After a brief hiatus, Rachael returned to TV screens with Meals in Minutes, based on her Food Network hit 30 Minute Meals, that was released on FYI Network in April this year.
Her latest program Rachael Ray in Tuscany premiered on June 24, 2024.
On the show, Rachael whips up delicious Italian dishes, such as pollo al mattone (a traditional roast chicken) and risotto, all from the kitchen of her Tuscan villa.
‘GAME FOR ANYTHING’
In an interview with People earlier this year, Rachael discussed her latest ventures, adding she’s been incredibly busy producing and creating new content for her fans.
“I can’t sleep. I wake up at three or four in the morning, and I just start working because I can’t stop thinking about it,” she told the outlet.
“I’m not very good at sleep. I never have been. Even when I was a little girl. My nickname was Little Hoot because I was a night owl,” Rachael continued.
On the longevity of her broadcast career, she reflected, “I’m always game for anything, and I’m a person who’s over 50 years old. I’m trying to still remain relevant, which is an honor.
“It’s cool to be over 50 and get new opportunities that keep getting thrown at me.”