Paula Deen Is Officially a Contestant on 'Dancing With the Stars'

The show premieres September 14.

If's official ya'll: Disgraced former Food Network star and butter queen Paula Deen will officially be on ABC's Dancing With the Stars. Rumors of the gig started floating around last month, but neither Deen nor ABC would confirm Deen's place as a cast member. According to People, the network revealed the full roster of contests on Good Morning America earlier today. Deen — who is partnered with dancer Louis van Amstel — will be competing against the likes of wig-loving reality star Kim Zolciak, Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, Vine celebrity Hayes Grier, and legendary singer Chaka Khan.

This is just the latest step in Deen's attempt at a comeback. Deen lost almost all of her endorsement deals and her place on the Food Network after she admitted to using racial slurs in front of former employees. Since then, Deen has launched her own "digital network," a podcast, a weird mobile game, and a new restaurant in Tennessee where she serves "big ol' bowls" of fried chicken, corn, and likely, heaps of butter. Plus, she somehow landed another book deal.

Last year, Deen turned down the chance to be on the show, telling Extra: "They did ask me and I said no. Fat girls don't look good sweating." Deen appears to be feeling a lot more confident. She explains her decision to join this season to USA Today: "I have always loved the show and the level of excitement from my family, team members, and friends has encouraged me to hit the dance floor." Dancing With Stars season 21 premieres September 14, giving you plenty of time to start preparing some deep-fried butter balls to snack on.

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