Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Karen Parker hails from a large Louisianan Catholic-Italian family, steeped in tradition, love of faith, family, and food. After graduating from Boise State University with a BA in communications, she worked as television host and writer before becoming a full-time stay-at-home mom to her three children. Now the proud maw maw of 11 grandchildren, she lives in Pensacola, Florida with the love of her life, Steve Parker, retired US Air Force fighter pilot, brigadier General. Active members of Basilica of Saint Michael, the Archangel and Our Lady's Sodality, Karen and Steve can be found paddle boarding in Pensacola Bay, fishing off their dock, or playing in their vegetable garden alongside their puppy Magnolia.