Where Is Paula Deen Now? Inside the Celebrity Chef’s Life 12 Years After Abruptly Leaving TV amid Controversy

Celebrity chef Paula Deen has had a tumultuous career marked by both success and controversy. With a decade having passed since her departure from the Food Network in 2013, many are left wondering, where is she now? Deen’s dismissal from the network came after she admitted to using a racial slur in the workplace in a sworn deposition, as reported by The New York Times. Since then, the once-prominent TV personality has largely remained out of the public eye. However, recent events have thrust her back into the spotlight.

In July of 2025, Deen made headlines again when she announced the sudden closure of two of her restaurants, including her flagship establishment, The Lady & Sons. In a heartfelt statement shared on her Facebook and official website, Deen expressed gratitude to her loyal customers and staff for their support over the past 36 years. This closure marked a significant turning point in Deen’s culinary career, prompting many to speculate about the reasons behind the shutdown.

Despite these challenges, Deen’s journey in the culinary world began in 1989 when she launched a catering company, The Bag Lady, with just $200. Over the years, she expanded her business ventures, opening restaurants and eventually capturing the attention of the Food Network. Her TV career took off in 2002 with the debut of her show, Paula’s Home Cooking, which ran for a decade. However, this success was marred by controversy when allegations of racial discrimination surfaced in 2013.

Following her departure from the Food Network, Deen continued to engage with her audience through various projects. From live tours to a brief stint on Dancing with the Stars in 2015, she kept busy exploring different avenues. Notably, she launched her YouTube channel in June 2020, attracting a substantial following with daily content for nearly 600,000 subscribers. Deen’s resilience and determination to stay connected with her fans have been evident throughout these transitions.

Despite the setbacks she has faced, Deen remains a prolific figure in the culinary world. She has continued to release cookbooks, with her most recent publication, “Love and Best Dishes,” hitting shelves in 2023. Additionally, her magazine, Cooking with Paula Deen, has remained in publication since its inception in 2005. Furthermore, Deen’s show, Positively Paula, graced television screens in 2016, demonstrating her enduring passion for sharing her love of Southern cuisine.

As Deen navigates this new chapter in her career, her upcoming appearance in the documentary “Canceled: The Paula Deen Story” promises to shed light on the events that transpired in 2013. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the documentary will revisit the fallout from the controversy surrounding her departure from the Food Network. Deen’s willingness to confront her past and move forward signals a continued evolution in her personal and professional journey.

In conclusion, Paula Deen’s resilience and determination to overcome challenges have defined her ongoing narrative in the culinary world. Despite facing setbacks and controversies, she continues to inspire audiences with her passion for Southern cuisine and unwavering commitment to sharing her love of cooking. As she embarks on this new chapter, Deen’s journey serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of a celebrated celebrity chef.