Michael Groover, the husband of celebrity chef Paula Deen, is a retired tugboat captain, author, and entrepreneur whose life intertwines with Southern charm and maritime grit. As of 2025, Groover’s net worth is estimated at $5 million, amassed through his tugboat career, coffee business, and book. Born in 1956, he is 69 years old, standing at 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 176 pounds after a notable 60-pound weight loss. Married to Paula Deen since 2004, their love story, sparked by a dog-related encounter, remains strong despite past rumors. This article explores Groover’s age, net worth, married life, career, height, weight, and more, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Who Is Michael Groover? A Glimpse into His Biography
Michael Groover is more than just Paula Deen’s husband. A Savannah, Georgia native, he carved a career as a tugboat captain in the Port of Savannah, navigating the waters with precision and solitude—a stark contrast to Deen’s public persona. Their marriage in 2004 at Bethesda Academy was a Southern spectacle, broadcast on the Food Network, blending their love for food and family. Groover’s life reflects resilience, from overcoming personal challenges to supporting Deen through controversies. His story is one of quiet strength, humor, and a passion for Southern culture, as evidenced by his 2018 Hemingway Look-Alike Contest win in Key West.
Michael Groover’s Age and Early Life
Born in 1956, Michael Groover is 69 years old in 2025. Little is known about his early years, as he prefers a private life away from the spotlight. Growing up in the American South, Groover developed a love for fishing, hunting, and the outdoors—passions that later connected him to Ernest Hemingway, whom he resembles. His modest upbringing shaped his grounded personality, which complements Deen’s vibrant energy. Despite limited public details about his education or family background, Groover’s authenticity shines through in his memoir, My Delicious Life with Paula Deen, published in 2009.
Michael Groover’s Net Worth and Salary
Michael Groover’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $5 million, derived from multiple ventures. His primary career as a tugboat captain in Savannah provided a stable income, with harbor pilots earning between $101,250 and $130,000 annually, according to industry standards. Additionally, Groover launched Captain Michael’s Coffee, a niche coffee line that caters to Southern tastes, contributing to his wealth. His book, My Delicious Life with Paula Deen, added to his earnings, featuring personal stories and recipes like deviled crab and banana pudding. While exact salary figures remain undisclosed, his entrepreneurial spirit and maritime expertise have ensured financial stability.
Career Highlights: Tugboat Captain, Author, and Entrepreneur
Groover’s career as a tugboat captain defined much of his life before retirement. Maneuvering boats through Savannah’s ports required skill and solitude, contrasting with Deen’s public-facing career. His entrepreneurial venture, Captain Michael’s Coffee, reflects his business acumen, offering premium blends inspired by his coastal roots. In 2009, Groover published My Delicious Life with Paula Deen, sharing his journey from a single father to a celebrity spouse. The book’s recipes and candid anecdotes, like his love for Southern dishes, resonated with readers. His Hemingway Look-Alike Contest win in 2018 showcased his playful side, earning him recognition beyond Deen’s fame.
Married Life with Paula Deen: A Southern Love Story
Michael Groover and Paula Deen married on March 6, 2004, after a serendipitous meeting involving Deen’s dogs wandering into Groover’s yard. Their marriage, now over 20 years strong, has weathered challenges, including 2013 rumors of Groover’s alleged affair, which he denied, and a 2015 property deed transfer that sparked divorce speculation. Deen clarified the transfer was a misunderstanding, reaffirming their bond. In a 2023 Instagram post, Deen wrote, “I met Michael when I was 53, and he’s kept a smile on my face every day since.” Their age difference—Deen is nine years older—has never hindered their connection, rooted in shared Southern values and love for food.
Weight Loss Journey: A Family Transformation
In 2012, Paula Deen’s type 2 diabetes diagnosis prompted a family-wide health overhaul. Michael Groover lost 60 pounds, while Deen shed 40 pounds, and her sons, Jamie and Bobby Deen, lost 45 and 33 pounds, respectively. The family adopted moderation, focusing on fresh vegetables and reduced carbs while retaining Southern flavors. Groover’s commitment to health reflects his support for Deen, blending discipline with their love for cooking. This transformation highlights their adaptability, offering a case study in balancing indulgence with wellness—a lesson for couples navigating health challenges together.
Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Michael Groover stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and weighs approximately 176 pounds (80 kg) post-weight loss. His white beard and rugged look earned him the 2018 Hemingway Look-Alike Contest title, a nod to his resemblance to the literary icon. Groover’s physical transformation and maritime background contribute to his distinctive presence, complementing Deen’s lively persona. His appearance reflects a blend of Southern charm and seafaring grit, making him a recognizable figure at events like book signings and Deen’s TV appearances.
Dating History and Family Life
Before marrying Paula Deen, Groover was divorced and raised two children as a single father. Details about his first marriage are scarce, but his role as a stepfather to Deen’s sons, Jamie and Bobby Deen, is notable. In a 2017 social media post, Bobby wrote, “Happy birthday, Michael Groover! We’re glad to have you as a part of our family because you always make Mom so happy.” Groover has one daughter, Michelle Groover, from a previous relationship. His family-oriented nature and humor strengthen his bond with Deen’s sons, who co-own The Lady & Sons restaurant in Savannah.
Unique Insights: Groover’s Hemingway Connection
Groover’s 2018 Hemingway Look-Alike Contest win offers a unique angle on his personality. Competing against 150 entrants, he won on Hemingway’s birthday, expressing a kinship through shared passions for fishing and hunting. “I feel a connection to Hemingway beyond looks,” Groover said, highlighting his love for adventure. This achievement, celebrated by Deen, underscores his individuality outside her shadow. His participation in Key West’s Hemingway Days festival, supporting scholarships, reflects his commitment to community—a lesser-known facet of his life.
Michael Groover Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Anthony Groover |
| Age | 69 (Born 1956) |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 176 pounds (80 kg) |
| Net Worth | $5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $101,250–$130,000 annually (tugboat captain, estimated) |
| Occupation | Retired Tugboat Captain, Author, Entrepreneur |
| Spouse | Paula Deen (Married March 6, 2004) |
| Children | Michelle Groover (daughter); Stepfather to Jamie and Bobby Deen |
| Notable Achievements | 2018 Hemingway Look-Alike Contest Winner, Author of My Delicious Life |
| Business Ventures | Captain Michael’s Coffee |
| Weight Loss | Lost 60 pounds following Paula Deen’s diabetes diagnosis |
| Residence | Savannah, Georgia |
| Social Media | Twitter: @tugboat203 (429 followers) |
| Book | My Delicious Life with Paula Deen (2009) |
Conclusion: Michael Groover’s Enduring Legacy
Michael Groover is more than Paula Deen’s husband—he’s a multifaceted individual with a $5 million net worth, a 69-year-old maritime veteran, and a devoted family man. His marriage to Deen, spanning over two decades, showcases resilience through health challenges, controversies, and public scrutiny. From his tugboat captain career to his Hemingway Look-Alike win, Groover’s story blends Southern tradition with personal triumph. Follow his journey on Twitter or explore more about his life with Deen on Wikipedia and Simon & Schuster.
