New book claims Dolly Parton enjoyed steamy lesbian romance with childhood pal Judy Ogle

Country music star Dolly Parton is in the headlines nowadays not for new music, but because of her relationship with her female best friend Judy Ogle.

Parton has been married to Carl Dean since May 30, 1966. However, she doesn't use Dean's surname professionally. Now she's giving an indication towards the real nature of her relationship with childhood friend Ogle, according to claims in a new book. 

That's the explosive revelation from author Robert Randolph in his book Doctor to the Stars, which delves into the 70 year-old country queen's long-rumored gay lifestyle and her reasons for desperately hiding it. 

Ogle is known for her work on Rhinestone, Straight Talk, and Smoky Mountain Christmas. She met Parton when they were growing up in the foothills of the great Smoky Mountains, according to her interview with Nightline.

Parton is one of the most successful female country artists of all time, with an estimated 175 million in album sales. She has garnered eight Grammy Awards, two Academy Award nominations, seven Academy of country Music Awards and three American Music Award.

Parton's country songs have captured the hearts of generations, with her signature smile brightening the live of millions and her trademark style having been recognizable worldwide. Her road to success has been motivated by her father's inability to read or write, and for that she established Imagination Library, a book-gifting program designed to foster a love for reading in children. The program, which began in Tennessee, has now mailed more than 78 million free books to children.

Parton and Dean are rarely seen together, despite having celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. She has long denied rumors of being a lesbian, though she has admitted to her closeness with Ogle - even to the point of sharing the same bed with one another innocently.