Paula Deen Shares Rare Photo of Stepson Anthony Groover as She Wishes Him Happy Birthday

Paula Deen's son, Anthony Groover, was one of the two kids that came with the package of marrying her second husband in 2004. He is technically her stepson, but she referred to him as "son" in a recent Facebook post.

Paula Deen married for the second time in 2004, exchanging vows with her neighbor, Michael Groover, a former tugboat captain. They fell in love despite Michael's reluctance to commit to someone, having just finalized a divorce with his first wife.

In marrying Michael, Paula became a stepmother to his son, Anthony, and daughter Michelle, who was already a teen at the time. Paula recently wished her stepson a happy birthday on Facebook using a warm family photo with her husband, Michael, Anthony, and his wife.

As seen above, the post was a wholesome meeting between Paula and her family. The caption sincerely appreciated Anthony, a husband and father. She wrote:

"Happy birthday, Anthony! We're so proud of the son you are to us, husband you are to Ashley, and father you are to your own precious children."

When Paula met Anthony's father, he was not interested in marriage due to the divorce he underwent. However, 19 years later, he still stands firm in his union with his older wife.

Paula and Anthony Weren't on the Same Page at First

Michael's children were not entirely excited about his relationship with Paula when it began. He had just gotten divorced and struggled to sustain his children but found a way, thanks to his daughter Michelle—17 at the time—who pitched in to help with the house and her younger brother.

After some time, Michael began living at Paula's place despite her being nine years older while Anthony and his sister lived at Michael's house, not too far from the chef's. Michael revealed that Anthony had difficulty accepting his new partner as a possible mother figure. "He may have thought of her as a character," he said.

Later, Anthony had his first official meeting with the chef and eventually accepted the idea of her being his mother figure. Michael revealed in his book "My Delicious Life with Paula Deen" that although they ultimately began to like his partner, he thinks they never thought the relationship would become real.

Paula Deen Is a Mother Herself

Aside from being a stepmother to Anthony and his sister, Paula has two of her own children. Her sons Bobby and Jamie Deen have carried the baton of her career that reportedly hit a brick wall in 2013 after unwelcome racial slander. They have published a few cookbooks collaboratively and independently.

Jamie published a 2013 cookbook titled "Jamie Deen's Good Food," and his brother published "Bobby Deen's Everyday Eats" the following year. Their joint publications are "The Deen Bros. Take It Easy" and "The Deen Bros. Get Fired Up." The boys also help their famous mother run her restaurant, The Lady & Sons.

Paula's boys are both parents of three. Bobby welcomed a set of triplets, Amelia, Olivia, and Linton, with his wife, Claudia. They were born nearly four months early and remained hospitalized until doctors approved their health. Jamie has three sons, Matthew, Jack, and Davis, with his wife, Brooke.