Rachael Ray has hit back at claims she has “disappeared” amid growing health concerns.
“I don’t know what they’re saying,” the celebrity chef told US Weekly when asked about the theories surrounding her whereabouts at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival’s Burger Bash in New York City.
“I’ve always worked hard, and I’ve never left,” she continued. “I just switched to A+E and a new partner. That’s it. But I’m always working.”
The former Food Network star has been busy traveling between New York and Italy for her shows “Rachael Ray’s Meals in Minutes” and “Rachael Ray in Tuscany” after launching Free Food Studio, which is part-owned by A+E Networks.
“We have living kitchens in two countries and four talents we love producing. We’re adding a fifth next year,” she explained. “I feel very lucky.”
The chef also said he has been spending “24 hours a day” writing since leaving his eponymous daytime show in 2023 after 17 seasons.
“And I produce a 24-hour show with my friends,” she added.
Ms. Ray expressed confusion over rumors that she was “off the radar.”
“I don’t know why people thought I was leaving. I think we did a crappy job of promoting[the show],” she said with a laugh.
The TV personality, 57, explained that all of her projects are on YouTube and Hulu.
“It’s just that they rotate. One partner puts it down first, then the other partner takes it, then the other partner takes it. So it’s not constant for each thing,” she said.
“But I never quit. I kept working. I think people lost track of how to find us, but I never quit.”
The “Rachel Ray Show” alum appeared to slur her speech during a cooking video in October 2024, sparking health concerns.
A few days later, she explained on an episode of her podcast, “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead,” that she had several “bad falls.” She did not share further updates about her health at the time.
In May 2025, she slurred her speech in another cooking video. Just two months later, she attended an event for her gin brand and allegedly acted “strange,” sparking further concern among fans.
But at the October 17th Burger Bash event, it seemed to be business as usual for Ray this month. That same day, she hosted a Staples Gin event and posed for fun photos with co-host Brooklyn Beckham.
She also filmed an interview on “The Drew Barrymore Show” last Wednesday, where she appeared happy and healthy.
