The Food Network /4/by losing another star-studded cooking couple. First Paula Deen’s N-word scandal ended her run, now “Down Home With the Neelys” /4/be on the chopping block.
The news about the Neelys’ divorce caught many cooking enthusiasts off guard.
Pat Neely and Gina Neely announced to fans the decision to end their marriage of nearly 20 years. The news was equivalent to choking on a deep-fried chicken wing, potato salad, and sweet potato pie or overdosing on some of grandmamma’s cornbread – although the latter is not necessarily a bad thing.
“Today we announce that we are ending our marriage of 20 years for irreconcilable differences. This was a tough decision, but we believe it is the best decision for us. As parents of two beautiful adult daughters that we love dearly, we will continue to be involved in each other’s lives as parents and friends. Together we have built a strong brand as The Neely’s. Moving forward our focus will be on our individual brands and we are optimistic about our respective futures. We ask for your prayers as we go through this transition and honor our request for privacy at this time.”
One thing not surprising about the Neelys’ divorce is the rubberstamp reason celebrities indicate when filing to end their marriages: irreconcilable differences. Enough already!
However, two elements of the split are enough to give you a coronary if the lasagna recipe didn’t do you in first: First, Pat and Gina have been married for almost 20 years. After that long together, it usually means married couples have past the point of divorce. Second, sources say Gina and Pat have lived apart for two months. Really?
The Neelys were introduced to TV fans in February of 2008 when the Food Network launched Down Home with the Neelys. It showcased the husband and wife cooking duo that offered some simple, yet timeless and delicious dishes that highlight Southern charm. The show soon became the highest rated for the network up to that time.
As Pat and Gina often do, they told viewers the fabulous recipes they prepared were handed down from generation to generation.
On a lighter note, the couple has two grown children together, so child support is not an issue that will rear its ugly face. Also, the television chefs say they intend to continue working on their restaurants and charitable projects together. But with a “focus on their own brands,” it likely signals an end to the show.
The Neelys’ divorce /4/come as a shocker, because Pat and Gina appeared to be deeply in love and food was the common glue that held them together. Wrong! It simply proves that the way to a man’s heart /4/not be through his stomach after all.
Source: 11Alive
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