Rachael Ray, the renowned cook and TV personality, shocked fans with her appearance in a preview of her new show, “Rachael Ray in Tuscany.”

Ray posted a video on Instagram on September 3, 2024, where she was seen cooking. The TV personality was making ossobuco, succulent braised veal shanks with creamy polenta and bread while paying tribute to the late Tony Bennett.

However, as an emotional Ray talked about Bennett while cooking, fans flocked to the comments section, expressing concern about her health and speculating about her physical appearance.

Anxious fans shared their apprehensions, with one saying, “I love you but are you ok? I’m seriously concerned.” Another worried fan noted, “I’m not sure what is going on with her, but she doesn’t look well. I hope she is ok.”

A curious fan speculated, “I think it’s a mini stroke. Part of her mouth seems sinking. When was this???? I haven’t seen her this makes me so sad.” One viewer remarked, “This can’t be her – this doesn’t even look like her!”

Another user pointed out, “She looks like she had a stroke. Her face on one side doesn’t look like it’s moving.” A shocked online user observed, “Barely even looks like her anymore.” Finally, a fan exclaimed, “Oh my… if I hadn’t read who it was I wouldn’t have recognized her.”

On the other hand, some defended her appearance, with one person commenting, “Wow, ppl are mean! I honestly think she looks different bc she stopped wearing makeup! It’s crazy how many ppl are affected by her literally just not wearing makeup!”

Rachael Ray has had health issues in the past. In 2009, she underwent a successful vocal cord surgery and had to take a break from her culinary activities.

The procedure was aimed at removing a benign cyst from her vocal cord after she had undergone an unsuccessful vocal therapy. Ray’s representative, Charlie Dougiello, noted that the most challenging aspect for her back then had been resting her voice for a week or two.

Dr. Clark Rosen, an otolaryngologist at the University of Pittsburgh who specializes in voice disorders gave an insight into vocal cord conditions.

He explained that individuals who frequently use their voice, such as singers and teachers, are more prone to issues like cysts, nodules, and polyps.

Rosen highlighted that overuse or misuse of the voice, particularly when speaking loudly and forcefully, can lead to such problems.

He expounded, “Rachael Ray speaks very loudly and she has what we call a percussive voice, not a soft voice. Vocal cords are designed to vibrate with each other, but they do need down time or recovery time.”

Ray, known for her extensive use of her voice in connecting with audiences, prefers to be called a “cook” rather than a “chef.” Her career took off with “30-Minute Meals” more than twenty years ago and includes numerous cookbooks and recipes

Nevertheless, the 56-year-old’s culinary journey began at Howard Johnson’s, where she started by scooping ice cream. She further refined her skills alongside her mom and grandfather.

Ray might not claim the title of chef but she certainly earns chef-by-proxy status with her influence in the culinary world. Her popular recipes are now accessible through the meal delivery service Home Chef. You can conveniently order online or pick up a kit at Kroger.

The recipes include pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions to recreate Ray’s cherished dishes. Some of her favorite meals are steakhouse burgers with dijon mushrooms and onions, sausage, pepper, and onion pasta baked with ricotta, and tilapia piccata with lemon spaghetti.

Even with her success, Ray is candid about her imperfections in the kitchen. She openly admitted to frequently burning the bread she’s trying to toast to a perfect golden brown.

She revealed, “I wish I had more patience in the kitchen. I enjoy baking very few things. I absolutely resent measuring; I think of it like a teacher hitting my knuckles.”

Ray admitted that during the holidays, her frustration with making cookies led to strained interactions with those around her. She noted that her sister, an avid baker, often stressed her out during cooking sessions due to her own hasty and unconventional approach in the kitchen.