Paula Deen Sees Stars and Good Deeds During Nashville Trip

As Jimmy Wayne walks across America to raise awareness for at-risk teens aging out of the foster care system, he has received plenty of public feedback from stars in all fields of entertainment. Most recently, Food Network's Paula Deen sent a tweet to the singer saying, "What a great cause, you should be proud!"

In a recent stop in Nashville, Paula explained why she reached out to Jimmy and expressed how important it is to give back to those in need. "I think it's wonderful," Paula tells The Boot of Jimmy's efforts. "I was not born with any silver spoon. It's so wonderful to now be in a position where we can give back and lend a helping hand to things we believe in."

Prior to her Music City departure, Paula and her partners at Smithfield Hams donated over 30,000 pounds of ham to local food banks, helping those who were victims of the devastating flood last month. "Nashville has been through something very traumatic with the flood," Paula said. "It's just wonderful to be able to give back because I've needed that ham before."

Her time in Nashville, and in particular at last week's CMT Music Awards, was enjoyable to the Georgia native for many reasons, including the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of her favorite singers. "You cannot live in the state of Georgia and not be touched by country music," Paula said. "I love Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. I love Trisha Yearwood and, of course, Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire ... Reba is a precious little woman!"