Paula Deen Named Grand Marshal of Rose Parade, Butter Optional

The Food Network's Queen of butter-laden Southern cuisine Paula Deen has been named as the Grand Marshal of the 2011 Rose Parade. Deen will toss the coin before the 97th Rose Bowl Game and ride in the 122nd Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day.

This year's theme is "Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories.” Says Jeffrey L. Throop, president of the Tournament of Roses of their selection of the culinary luminary: “An American sweetheart and a true success story, Paula Deen embodies what it means to build a dream into reality. She has shared her friendships and memories with us all through her down-to-earth cooking and treasured recipes and we can’t wait to build memories together with her on New Year’s Day.”

"To serve as Grand Marshal is a dream come true and I look forward to sharing the celebration with all of the fans and viewers worldwide," says Deen of her honor.

Previously: Evanne Friedmann Named 93rd Rose Queen.