DOLLY PARTON - PARTON THREATENED FOR HAVING GAY FANS

Singer DOLLY PARTON has been bombarded with hate mail because of her popularity with the gay community.

The COAT OF MANY COLORS singer has a large gay male fan base, which has made her a target for hate-mongers.

She explains, "Having a big gay following, I get hate mail and threats."

The country music legend has received an Oscar nomination for writing the song TRAVELIN' THRU, from the movie TRANSAMERICA.

The film's main character is a pre-operative transsexual, played by DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES star FELICITY HUFFMAN.

The 9 TO 5 singer hopes the movie and her song can foster understanding and tolerance between people from different walks of life.

Parton explains, "Some people are blind or ignorant, and you can't be that prejudiced and hateful and go through this world and still be happy.

"One thing about this movie is that I think art can change minds. It's all right to be who you are."