Padma Lakshmi Pays Tribute as Top Chef Fatima Ali Passes Away

“Goodbye lil’ sis,” said Padma Lakshmi in her heartfelt tribute.

Fatima Ali, who competed in the fifteenth season of Top Chef, passed away on Friday, 25 January, after a long battle with a rare form of cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma.

Ali was diagnosed with the rare ailment that affects the bones and tissues, had a relapse, and was re-diagnosed with cancer in October.

“Goodbye lil’ sis,” said Padma Lakshmi

Tributes poured in for Ali, who was a favourite on and off the screen. Top Chef host and Ali’s close friend, Padma Lakshmi posted a heartfelt tribute on Twitter.

Goodbye lil’ sis. One of our brightest stars has fallen from the sky.... I have no words, but here are some of hers: “I dream of being better. I dream of being myself again, but I know I’ll never quite be the same, and that’s okay. I look forward to meeting that woman one day.” pic.twitter.com/JThpUIbtk7

— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) January 26, 2019

“ Goodbye lil’ sis. One of our brightest stars has fallen from the sky.... I have no words,” said Padma Lakshmi in her tweet.

She also posted a short video featuring Fatima and herself.

Ali had shared her last health update on Instagram about two weeks ago in which she said, “I’m sick and unfortunately I’m getting sicker. Right now all I need are prayers; prayers that are simple.”

View this post on Instagram

I know it’s been ages since I posted and most may have figured out why. I’m sick and unfortunately I’m getting sicker. Right now all I need are prayers; prayers that are simple. I hope, because a wish is putting on too much responsibility on the other, that you will somehow find forgiveness in your big heart for whenever I must have hurt you. I thank you a million times over for when you have given me joy. I’ll try to keep everyone updated the best that I possibly can.

A post shared by Fatima Ali (@cheffati) on Jan 10, 2019 at 6:58pm PST