Rachael Ray is opening up about a painful loss that is changing the way she approaches the holidays. The celebrity chef and TV personality revealed that her mother, Elsa Scuderi, has died, marking the first time Ray has spoken publicly about it. Ray said Christmas “won’t feel the same,” even as she focuses on gratitude and the time she was able to spend with her mom in her final days.
“My mom passed away,” Ray, 57, said at the start of the conversation with Yahoo. “I have been crying quite a bit, but they’re tears of gratitude.”
Rachael Ray Mourns Mother Elsa Scuderi After ’92-Year Run’
Ray described Scuderi as a major force in her life and career, calling her mother a “workhorse” with a remarkable work ethic. She said her mother ran 12 restaurants at the height of her career and helped shape Ray’s approach to food and family.
“Elsa Scuderi had a “92-year run,” Ray said, adding that her mother “gave me my work ethic” and “snapped us into ‘man-up mode’ from childhood.”
Ray also shared that Scuderi died at home, where she wanted to be, and that Ray stayed close to her throughout her final days.
“She passed at home, in my home, and that’s what she wanted,” Ray said.
“We had lots of wonderful adventures together, and in her last days, all I did was tell her the great stories of our lifetime together. The closure was a wonderful gift. It’s certainly the best gift this holiday season.”
Ray said the grief has been especially difficult because it’s happening around the holidays.
“It’s just not the happiest of holidays this year, but still one I’m filled with nothing but gratitude for,” she said. “It’s just a weird time of year to be without her.”
Food Network Alum Says New Chapter Brought Opportunity and Freedom
While dealing with personal loss, Ray has also been in a busy professional chapter. After ending her syndicated daytime series in 2023, she pivoted into production and food programming with new partners. She launched Free Food Studios and teamed up with A+E Global Media’s Home.Made.Nation to develop new content, including “Rachael Ray Holidays,” “Rachael Ray’s Rebuild,” and “Rachael Ray in Tuscany.” The deal was later extended through 2026.
Ray said the newer projects feel personal because the shows often take place in her own home kitchens. She also includes people closest to her, including her husband of 20 years, John Cusimano, and her sister, Maria Betar.
It’s our real lives, our real kitchens,” Ray said. “I have more control over what I do now that I’m the partner instead of the talent. It’s a different group of opportunities and freedom that I have.”
She added, “It’s just exciting to still be relevant, especially as a woman in her 50s.”
‘The Rachael Ray Show’ Host Addresses Online Chatter About ‘Disappearing’
Ray also addressed the strange online narrative that she has somehow gone “off the radar.” She pushed back on the idea that she disappeared, saying her work has been nonstop even if her projects shifted networks and platforms.
“I don’t know what they’re talking about,” she told US Weekly of claims that she “disappeared.” Ray added, “I work my ass off all the time. And I never left. I just switched over to A+E and new partners, that’s all.”
She continued, “But I’ve been working constantly. From the time I left the daytime show, I started writing. I write around the clock, and I produce shows with my friends around the clock.”
Ray also emphasized that she remains on good terms with colleagues across different chapters of her career.
“I don’t burn any of my bridges,” she said, noting she still keeps in contact with past bosses and partners.
