Jimmy Deen Is Paula Deen's First Husband of 27 Years — More About Their Marriage

Jimmy Deen and renowned chef and TV personality Paula Deen shared a life as a couple for two decades. In Paula's book, "It Ain't All About the Cookin," she opened up about their marriage, describing Jimmy as the hardest working man he ever knew and a loving father.

While Jimmy Deen was hardworking, his ex-wife once joked that he wasn't ambitious enough. Still, she acknowledged he was always working in one job or the other.

Coming from a not-so-able family, Jimmy showcased his basketball prowess in high school. Unfortunately, financial constraints hindered his pursuit of higher education, preventing him from attending college.

Inside Jimmy Deen and Paula's Relationship

Jimmy and his ex-wife first crossed paths when she was dating her then-boyfriend, Bill. Struck by Jimmy's appearance, Paula couldn't stop thinking about him, and soon after, she broke up with Bill.

The pair again crossed paths one evening during a teen hangout. Jimmy had initially approached one of Paula's friends for a Saturday night date. Simultaneously, another guy invited Paula for the same night.

The twist of fate led to an unexpected double date, and it was like their initial pairs never existed. Jimmy and Paula formed an instant connection through their endless conversation. After the date, Jimmy wasted no time and called Paula to ask for another date.

Despite Jimmy's and his ex-wife's challenges, she paid him a tribute in her book, referring to him as a "good person" and a "kind man."

Soon, the pair began their relationship; however, their courtship was rocky. Paula was famous and had many friends, both boys and girls, which Jimmy found off-putting. As Paula puts it, Jimmy Deen was jealous and controlling; he didn't want her talking to anyone else.

The rocky relationship soon transitioned into their marriage. According to Jimmy's ex-wife, he turned out to be an alcoholic. Whenever he drank, he became a completely different person.

Paula and Jimmy Deen's Marriage Fell Apart Due to His Alcoholism

After enduring 27 years of marriage, Jimmy's ex-wife reached a breaking point. The catalyst for divorce occurred when she discovered Jimmy had neglected their son's truck payments for years, realizing he was dragging the entire family down.

In an unexpected turn, Paula left the house when divorce proceedings commenced. Paula tried hard to save their marriage, but the drinking problem was something neither of them could solve.

In the course of their marriage, the former couple welcomed two children. In 1967, they welcomed their first son, Jamie, and two years later, they welcomed their second son, Bobby.

The boys have created a name for themselves despite their mother's fame. Jamie is a businessman, entrepreneur, and author. He also owns the famed restaurant, The Lady & Sons, in Savannah, GA together with his mom and younger brother.

On the other hand, his brother, Bobby, has collaborated with their mother to create recipes that have made Paula's cooking stand out. Bobby has also hosted several cooking shows, including "Spring Baking Championship," "Not My Momma's Meals," and more.

Despite Jimmy's and his ex-wife's challenges, she paid him a tribute in her book, referring to him as a "good person" and a "kind man."

Less is known about Paula Deen's first husband after they divorced. As for the TV personality, she found love again and has been happily married to Michael Groover, who she occasionally features on her Instagram page.