Backstage at Paula Deen's first live tour

Paula Deen invited ET to her first live tour, where she gave viewers a taste of what she's cooking up for her digital network debut.

In her first interview since making the announcement, Paula was excited and grateful for the outpouring of fan support she has received since her controversy and subsequent removal from The Food Network. "I've got sense enough to know, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be standing here," the 67-year-old said to her fans in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

When Paula asked her admirers what they were looking forward to most about the Paula Deen network, one female fan exclaimed, "Having you back!"

Deen and her husband Michael Groover hit the road in hopes of connecting with fans and seeing exactly what they want from her new network. So, what can audiences expect from Deen's 20-show tour and network? "Oh, I've got new recipes! Fried chicken! I got a hundred ways to cook fried chicken!"

What do you think of Deen's comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments below.


Catch up on what Deen's been up to:
More information about Deen's 20-show tour
Paula Deen launching digital network
Paula Deen cooks up $85M comeback deal