Discovering Ree Drummond: The Pioneer Woman's Journey

Ree Drummond, known as "The Pioneer Woman," is a household name for her engaging storytelling and delicious recipes. She has captivated millions through her blog and cooking show, showcasing her life on a ranch in Oklahoma. Her journey from a city girl to a celebrated blogger and chef is not just inspiring; it resonates with many who dream of a simpler life filled with family and good food.

Born on January 6, 1969, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Ree began her adventure as Anne Marie Smith. She moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California, where she majored in gerontology. However, love took her back to Oklahoma, and that’s where her story as a rancher's wife and culinary star truly began.

As she began sharing her experiences and recipes on her blog, The Pioneer Woman, her fanbase grew rapidly. By combining her passion for cooking with beautiful photography and relatable storytelling, Ree created a platform that would eventually lead her to television and book deals. Her unique approach has inspired countless others to embrace their passions and share their stories.

Who Is Ree Drummond?

Ree Drummond is a multifaceted personality—she is a blogger, photographer, and celebrity chef who first gained fame through her award-winning blog, The Pioneer Woman, launched in 2006. On this platform, she shared her experiences of family life on an Oklahoma ranch, along with recipes showcased through stunning food photography. Following the success of her blog, she transitioned into television, launching her cooking show on the Food Network in 2011, which further solidified her status as a culinary icon.

Early Life

Drummond was born on January 6, 1969, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Originally named Anne Marie Smith, she earned the nickname "Ree" during her childhood. After completing high school, she moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California, majoring in gerontology. Although she had plans to pursue a law degree in Chicago, her life took a different turn when she fell in love with Ladd Drummond, prompting her return to Oklahoma.

Husband and Family

Ree married Ladd Drummond, a prominent fourth-generation Oklahoma cattle rancher, in 1996. She affectionately refers to him as "the Marlboro Man." The couple is blessed with four children: Alex, Paige, Bryce, and Todd. Together, they manage over 430,000 acres of land, making them one of the top 25 largest landowners in America. In a heartwarming turn, Ree announced in November 2020 that their family welcomed a foster son, Jamar, a year and a half earlier.

Blog

In 2006, Ree launched her blog, ThePioneerWoman.com, detailing her life as a cattle rancher's wife and her experiences homeschooling her children in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The blog features a rich variety of content, including a food section filled with recipes, which contributed to its rapid growth. By 2011, her blog attracted over 20 million page views per month, leading to book deals and her first televised appearance on Throwdown! With Bobby Flay, where she triumphed in a cooking contest.

The Pioneer Woman

Drummond’s cooking show, The Pioneer Woman, premiered in 2011. The show not only showcases her accessible recipes but also provides viewers with a glimpse into life on a cattle ranch. Ree's relatable personality and culinary skills have endeared her to audiences, making the show a staple for cooking enthusiasts and fans alike.

Books

Ree has authored a variety of books, including Black Heels to Tractor Wheels (2007) and several cookbooks such as The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl (2009) and The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier (2019). In 2010, she sold the film rights to her memoir, with reports suggesting that Columbia Pictures was interested in casting Reese Witherspoon to portray her.

Mercantile and The Boarding House

Expanding her brand, Ree opened a two-level restaurant, retail store, and bakery called the Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, in 2016. This 25,000 square-foot building serves as a bustling marketplace for an average of 6,000 visitors daily. Moreover, the Drummonds have continued their passion for renovation by constructing a three-story hotel nearby, named The Boarding House.

Quick Facts