Dolly Parton Apologizes for Gay Marriage Shirt Spat

Parton issues an apology over the furor surrounding a theme park policy

Dolly Parton has responded to the gay marriage T-shirt controversy. Earlier this month, Dollywood front gate attendants asked Olivier Odom to turn her "marriage is so gay" shirt inside out for violating the park's dress code. Parton issued the following statement to ABC on Friday:

"I am truly sorry for the hurt or embarrassment regarding the gay and lesbian t-shirt incident at Dollywood's Splash Country recently. Everyone knows of my personal support of the gay and lesbian community. Dollywood is a family park and all families are welcome," she wrote to ABC. ABC reports that Parton's statement went on to explain that the dress code rules are enforced to protect the person wearing the shirt and keep park disturbances to a minimum.

Parton concludes in writing, "I am looking further into the incident and hope and believe it was more policy than insensitivity. I am very sorry it happened at all."