Anne Burrell Was Vibrant & Healthy, Her Death Is a Shock, Melba Wilson Says

NYC restaurateur Melba Wilson is heartbroken over the sudden death of celebrity chef Anne Burrell … telling TMZ it’s left her and the entire culinary world gutted.

Melba, a fellow Food Network personality, tells us she just spoke to Anne last week — chatting about karaoke, backgammon, and life — and nothing seemed out of the ordinary as she appeared healthy and vibrant.

When asked if Anne had ever mentioned being unwell, Melba shut it down — saying there was never a word about any health issues.

Catch the clip — Melba delves into just how close they were … adding that Anne would light up any room she walked into, and no surprise … she began fighting back tears by the end of our interview.

Melba also digs into the legacy Anne leaves behind — and it’s all about the way she broke barriers in the food and beverage business full of men.