Paula Ann Hiers Deen, born January 19, 1947, is an American chef, cookbook author, and TV personality. She lives in Savannah, Georgia, where she owns and operates The Lady & Sons restaurant with her sons, Jamie and Bobby Deen.
Known for her Southern cooking, Deen has published fifteen cookbooks, contributing significantly to American culinary culture. Her media presence and business ventures have made her a prominent figure in the food industry, especially through her focus on traditional Southern cuisine and family-style hospitality.
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Paula Deen Net Worth
Paula Deen has a net worth of $12 million. In June 2013, she faced backlash after admitting in a deposition to using a racial slur, following a lawsuit by Lisa Jackson. Though dismissed, Deen lost deals with Food Network, Walmart, Target, QVC, and others.
She also faced criticism for her use of sugar in recipes and a 2011 Halloween photo showing Bobby Deen in brownface. In 2006, Deen bought property on Wilmington Island, building a 28,000-square-foot mansion, which she sold in 2020 for $6.818 million.
Early Life
Paula Ann Hiers Deen was born in Albany, Georgia, to Corrie A. Hiers and Earl Wayne Hiers Sr. Her father died when she was 19, and her mother four years later. At 18, she married Jimmy Deen and had sons James (“Jamie”) in 1967 and Robert (“Bobby”) in 1970.
depression and agoraphobia, Deen turned to Southern cooking, inspired by her grandmother Irene Paul. After divorcing in 1989, she launched The Bag Lady catering service to support Jamie, Bobby, and her brother Earl (“Bubba”).
Career
Paula Deen launched The Lady in 1991 at a Best Western in Savannah, Georgia. In 1996, with sons Jamie and Bobby, she opened The Lady & Sons downtown. Deen later opened casino buffets in Mississippi, North Carolina, Indiana, and Illinois, which were rebranded in 2013.
She co-owned Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House, later Paula Deen’s Creek House, which closed in 2023. She opened Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, Nashville, and Panama City Beach, though some locations have since closed.
Personal life
Paula Deen launched The Lady in 1991 at a Best Western in Savannah, Georgia. In 1996, with sons Jamie and Bobby, she opened The Lady & Sons downtown. Deen later opened casino buffets in Mississippi, North Carolina, Indiana, and Illinois, which were rebranded in 2013.
She co-owned Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House, later Paula Deen’s Creek House, which closed in 2023. She opened Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, Nashville, and Panama City Beach, though some locations have since closed.
Why did Paula Deen lose so much weight?
Paula Deen lost weight after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She made significant diet changes, cutting out potatoes, white bread, sugars, butter, and starch. These changes contributed to her losing over 40 pounds. Additionally, she published a diabetic cookbook to share her journey and new healthy eating habits with others.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s journey in the culinary world is a blend of remarkable success and notable controversy. Her impact on American Southern cooking and her resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges define her legacy.
FAQs about Paula Deen
- What is Paula Deen’s net worth?
- Approximately $12 million.
- Has Paula Deen faced any legal controversies?
- Yes, she was involved in a racial discrimination lawsuit and faced criticism for using racial slurs.
- What kind of cooking is Paula Deen known for?
- She is renowned for her Southern cooking style.
- What happened with Paula Deen and the Food Network?
- Her contract with the Food Network was not renewed in 2013 following a controversy over her use of racial slurs.
- What are Paula Deen’s current projects?
- She operates her restaurants in Savannah, Georgia, and continues to publish cookbooks and make television appearances.
