Parton bemused by lesbian rumors

Country legend Dolly Parton is laughing off longstanding rumors she's enjoying a lesbian fling with her best friend, insisting they are simply "comfortable with each other".

The '9 to 5' hitmaker, 63, has been married to husband Carl Dean since 1966, but has been romantically linked to pal Judy Ogle for years.

Parton is bemused by the allegations and is adamant her relationship with Ogle is purely platonic.

She said: "We're absolutely, totally honest, open, and comfortable with each other. We've been accused of being lovers. We do love each other, but we've never been like that."