August 3, 2011 | Celeb Watch

Dolly apologizes for incident at theme park

Dolly Parton has always been a vocal supporter of gay marriage rights, so it came as a surprise when a lesbian couple was confronted by officials at Dollywood and told to turn a t-shirt inside-out because it displayed a pro-gay slogan.

Olivier Odom and Jennifer Tipton were visiting Dollywood’s waterpark Splash Country when park staff objected to Odom’s ‘marriage is so gay’ t-shirt. The couple was told Dollywood was a family park and that the shirt would offend some people.

Shortly after the incident, a park spokesman said it was common practice to ask visitors to cover shorts or tattoos that were deemed inappropriate.

On Monday night, Dolly addressed the issue herself. 

“I am truly sorry for the hurt or embarrassment regarding the gay and lesbian T-shirt incident at Dollywood’s Splash Country recently," she said. "Everyone knows of my personal support of the gay and lesbian community. Dollywood is a family park and all families are welcome.”

“I am looking further into the incident and hope and believe it was more policy than insensitivity," she continued. "I am very sorry it happened at all.”

And that, friends, is one classy lady.

Dolly Parton Apologizes for Gay T-Shirt Incident at Dollywood Splash Country  [ABC News]