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“It is with an absolute broken heart that I report Nacho has passed away peacefully,” the Food Network chef wrote Tuesday onInstagram.“I usually don’t post private family business but I truly believe he was everyone’s cat in some way,” Flay, 58, continued in his loving tribute. “Nacho had a magic about him that was truly special. He came into my life when I needed him most and brought joyful moment after joyful moment to my household.”
Alongside the post, he featured a photo of the adorable Orange Maine Coon cat on his shoulder.
Signing off the post, Flay called on all pet owners to cherish their animals with some extra love today in light of his loss. “Give your pets an extra long hug today and please say a short prayer for Nacho. They mean so much to all of us. Xo,” he wrote.
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Alexei Hay
In PEOPLE’s 2017Sexiest Man Aliveissue, Flay told PEOPLE that Nacho’s “doglike for a cat.” He further explained that “he’s incredibly affectionate with me and will follow you around like a dog would.”
Nacho Flay/Instagram
Flay noted that the massive Maine Coon was also a “food connoisseur,” saying, “He’s always with me when I’m cooking. If I make a piece of striped bass, I’ll cook the end for him as a little treat.
source: people.com
