Anthony Bourdain's Final Texts Revealed by Former Assistant Laurie Woolever in New Memoir

Image credits: Ecco Books

Anthony Bourdain's former assistant, Laurie Woolever, has revealed the cryptic text the celebrity chef sent her the day before he tragically died by suicide in 2018. In her memoir, "Care and Feeding," Woolever writes that she told her then-boss, "I hope you're doing OK," to which he replied, "I'll live, and we'll survive." She reportedly believed the "we" referred to Bourdain and his then-girlfriend, Asia Argento. The assistant, who worked for the chef from 2009 until his death, said she checked in on him because photos of Argento kissing another man were about to be published online.

The National Enquirer had reached out for comment, and per her book, Bourdain instructed her to "ignore it, and ignore any similar queries from other pubs." However, the former "Parts Unknown" host did express some interest in the story, allegedly adding, "But let me know when the Enquirer piece drops." Woolever said, for the most part, her routine went on as normal, with Bourdain asking her to schedule a lunch, haircut, doctor appointment, and a private jiu-jitsu session for his return to New York the next week. Bourdain's mental health and relationship issues have been well-documented, and his death continues to be a sore subject for anyone who knew him.

Woolever's memoir offers a glimpse into Bourdain's last days, including his struggles with fame and his complicated relationship with Argento. The book also reveals that Bourdain had joked about hanging himself in the past, but he always did it in a sarcastic tone. Woolever was immediately in denial, thinking of ways to "fix" the "mess" of his suicide. The death of Anthony Bourdain is one that still brings heartache to those who were close with him, and even those who only watched him on their TVs. His impact and legacy carry on seven years later, with his fans and colleagues still trying to come to terms with his tragic death.

Woolever's relationship with Bourdain was more than just a professional one; they had developed a trusted friendship over the years. She managed the life of the most traveled man on TV, co-wrote his books, and acted as his publicist. Woolever views her memoir as her "detaching from the role as Tony's assistant," but still welcomes reminders of their time together. She has a "running list" of things she'd love to tell him, including the fact that there was a pandemic in 2020 and the current state of global politics. Woolever's story is a testament to the complexities of Bourdain's life and the impact he had on those around him.

In the aftermath of Bourdain's death, his fans and colleagues have struggled to come to terms with the loss. Chef Daniel Boulud said that he believed his longtime friend died of a "broken" heart. Argento, now 49, said in a statement shortly after Bourdain's death, "Anthony gave all of himself in everything he did. His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was my love, my rock, my protector." If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or go to 988lifeline.org.