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Celebrity chef Paula Deen surprised fans with a throwback photo on Instagram, sparking a flurry of comments about her drastically different look. The image, posted Thursday, shows a young Deen with short, dark red hair and rimless glasses, a far cry from her now-signature silver locks.
In the caption, Deen reflects on the photo’s significance, stating, “36 years, I embarked on a journey that would change my life. I started The Bag Lady with my last $200.” She goes on to remark on the power of perseverance.
The post ignited a wave of reactions from followers, many of whom expressed disbelief that the woman in the photo was indeed Deen. Comments ranged from surprised exclamations to playful remarks about her red hair.
Despite past controversies that significantly impacted her career, Deen maintains a loyal fanbase and continues to operate several restaurants, including The Lady & Sons in Savannah, Georgia.