Bobby Flay is a well-known public figure. Recognized for his incredible mouth-watering dishes, countless restaurants, cookbooks, and awards. His most recent projects include The Flay list and a pet food company, in honor of his beloved cats. Sadly, Nacho, his Maine Coon, recently passed away. However, it hasn’t prevented the quality chef from providing fans and customers with the best possible ingredients.
Early Days of Bobby Flay
Born on December 10, 1964, Bobby Flay was seemingly meant to be a chef. As a young boy he requested for Christmas an Easybake Oven, and it didn’t take those around him long to discover his impeccable talent. At 17, he dropped out of high school and took a job at Joe Allen.
Not long after, his boss sent him to culinary school. Upon graduation, he received an Outstanding Graduate Award. After working in several New York restaurants and eventually opening his own, Bobby Flay had a drive for something more.
In 1994, Bobby Flay broke out into television, appearing on Iron Chef. In addition to several appearances on the show, he’s also made his own name in Culinary Television. Going on to host more than 15 shows on the Food Network, he’s had incredible success.
Bobby Flay is known for his Southwestern cuisine and Spanish fusion cooking. The culinary master has opened restaurants, published cooking books, and made countless TV appearances throughout his long-standing career.
Personal Life of Bobby Flay
Bobby Flay has had some ups and downs in his personal life. Something to which no one is immune, no matter how well off they may be. Bobby Flay has been married and divorced three times, fathering one Child with his second wife, Kate Connelly. Her name is Sophie, who recently appeared by his side on The Flay List, in which the father-daughter duo disclosed some of their favorite places to eat.
The Flay List first aired in 2019 and has a total of 6 episodes.
Nacho Becomes a Partner
Another recent project, Made by Nacho, is a premium cat food brand founded by Bobby Flay in 2021.
Nacho quickly gained fame alongside Bobby Flay as his unofficial partner, even getting his own Instagram account. Nacho has more than 250,000 Instagram followers and is adored by many.
Earlier this month, Nacho celebrated his 9th birthday, alongside Bobby Flay. Thousands of fans sent the beloved cat well wishes. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that many fans had a lot to say when Bobby Flay made a sad announcement that Nacho has passed away.
Read: Veterinarian Lends Emotional Advice to Pet-Owners Putting Their Animals Down
Bobby Flay Makes an Announcement
Although Bobby Flay has kept his personal life out of the spotlight as much as possible, he took to Instagram to share the sad news with fans and followers. “I truly believe he was everyone’s cat in some way. Nacho had a magic about him that was truly special.” He wrote.
Flay also disclosed that he’s “soothed” in “knowing his likeness and legacy will live on forever through Made by Nacho”.
Bobby Flay ended the post by reminding followers to “give pets an extra long hug today.”
It didn’t take much time for fans of Nacho to pour out feelings of sympathy and encouragement for Bobby Flay during this difficult time.
Friends and fellow Food Network stars sent their love. “Love you, Bobby. Sending you all the love for sweet Nacho🧡,” said Sunny Anderson. Meanwhile, Aarti Sequeira said, “I’m so sorry Bobby. Nacho brought out a different side of you that I love. Praying for comfort as you grieve.”
Lastly, Ina Garten wrote, “Oh Bobby I’m so sorry!! What a good life you gave him!!! 💔💔💔”
However, fellow celebrities weren’t the only people to pour out love and sympathy. Instagram followers also shared their condolences. “I am so sorry for your entire family. No matter how long our pets live, it’s never long enough.” Said one understanding fan.
Importance of Pets
Although Bobby Flay has fame and fortune and the luxury to do what he loves for work, he’s not immune to the hardships of life, including the loss of a pet.
In fact, for many, the loss of a pet can be just as disheartening as losing a human member of their family because, most often, people consider their pets an extension of their own family. Moreover, for some with complicated family dynamics, losing a pet might bring a greater feeling of loss.
According to Louise B. Miller Ph.D., there are many reasons having a pet can be advantageous, including companionship, better mental health, and lower levels of stress and blood pressure. It’s no secret, particularly based on Nacho’s Instagram, that Bobby Flay adores his fur babies and wants the best for them, something many people can relate to.
Keep Reading: Father Prioritizes Dog Over Son: Chooses to Carry Pet Instead
Sources
- “Bobby Flay.” Britannica
- “Benefits of Having a Pet.” Psychology Today. Louise Miller October 26, 2020.
- “Fans Support Bobby Flay After He Announces The Death Of His Cat Nacho.” Delish. Gabby Romero. October 17, 2023.