The culinary world is mourning the loss of an extraordinary talent with the passing of Daisy King, fondly regarded as Tennessee’s “First Lady of Southern Cooking.” A gifted chef, accomplished author, and endearing television personality, Daisy King’s contributions to Southern cuisine have left a lasting impact on the industry and on countless individuals fortunate enough to experience her unique blend of warmth, hospitality, and unforgettable flavors. Her deep-rooted passion for cooking, nurtured during her childhood on a farm, blossomed into a prolific career that spanned several decades, influencing generations of home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Daisy King’s love for the kitchen began at an early age. By the time she was six, she had baked her first Five Flavor Pound Cake using a treasured recipe handed down from her grandmother, Linnie Angleine Fraser Deaton. This cake would later become an iconic dish at her celebrated restaurant, Miss Daisy’s Kitchen, a place where culinary tradition met heartfelt comfort food in a distinctly Southern setting. Much of Daisy’s early knowledge of cooking came from her grandmother, who taught her essential kitchen skills rooted in farm life. From drying fruit and pickling vegetables to churning butter and rolling out biscuits by hand, Daisy learned the importance of simple, homegrown ingredients and the joy of creating food with care and love. These formative experiences shaped her lifelong approach to cooking: authentic Southern fare prepared with heart, tradition, and a generous spirit.
As she honed her skills, Daisy pursued formal education at Belmont University, where she earned degrees in home economics and journalism. Her expertise, combined with her natural talent, helped her establish herself as a sought-after caterer. Her reputation for culinary excellence quickly grew, and in 1974, she opened Miss Daisy’s Tearoom in Franklin, Tennessee, later expanding to Nashville. The tearoom soon became a beloved local institution, attracting a loyal following of diners who came to enjoy Daisy’s signature dishes, including her now-famous Five Flavor Pound Cake. With its inviting atmosphere and comforting menu, Miss Daisy’s Tearoom captured the heart of the Southern dining experience, offering guests not just food but an opportunity to feel at home.
For nearly two decades, Miss Daisy’s Tearoom flourished, earning Daisy King widespread acclaim. Even after its closure in 1991, Daisy continued to share her culinary expertise as a consultant to major grocery chains and gourmet markets and as a media spokesperson for well-known brands like Pillsbury, Swift’s Sausage, and Bisquick. Her influence extended beyond the kitchen, with frequent appearances on popular television programs such as The Today Show, CBS This Morning, and Nashville’s Talk of the Town. Whether demonstrating recipes or discussing her culinary philosophy, Daisy captivated audiences with her charm, warmth, and extensive knowledge of Southern cooking.
In addition to her television appearances, Daisy authored fourteen cookbooks, including the million-selling Recipes from Miss Daisy’s, which became a staple in American kitchens. Her cookbooks celebrated the rich culinary traditions of the South while offering accessible recipes that reflected her creative flair and passion for simple, flavorful, home-cooked meals. Through her books, Daisy King brought the joy of Southern cooking to homes across the country, helping to preserve and promote the region’s culinary heritage.
Throughout her distinguished career, Daisy had the honor of preparing meals for a diverse array of notable figures, including country music legends, television stars, U.S. senators, and, most importantly, her friends and family. Despite her fame, she remained humble and deeply connected to her roots, embodying the values that had shaped her from the beginning: authenticity, generosity, and a commitment to bringing people together through food. For Daisy, cooking was more than a profession—it was a way to express love, build community, and celebrate life’s simple pleasures.
Daisy King’s passing marks the end of an era for Nashville’s culinary community, but her legacy lives on in the memories of those who dined at her tearooms, watched her on television, or prepared her recipes at home. Her influence on Southern cuisine is immeasurable, and her spirit endures in every meal inspired by her teachings.
Survived by her family, friends, and the generations of home cooks she inspired, Daisy King leaves behind a rich culinary legacy that will continue to thrive for years to come. Her timeless recipes and unwavering dedication to Southern cooking remain a powerful testament to the magic of food made with love and care.
Though Daisy King has departed this world, her legacy lives on in every slice of pound cake, every golden biscuit, and every meal that brings people together—a true celebration of the heart and soul of Southern cooking. Her life’s work will continue to inspire, nourish, and bring comfort to those who cherish the flavors and traditions she so lovingly preserved.
