Dolly Parton versus Howard Stern

Dolly Parton has hit back at US radio DJ Howard Stern over an on air skit that made the singer sound racist and sexually explicit.

The 'shock jock' cut up bits from an audio book that Parton had narrated to make it sound as if she had made the remarks. Celebrity audio book splicing is a regular feature on Stern's shows.

Reacting to the joke, Parton issued a statement declaring she had been hurt by the DJ's actions.

"I have never been so shocked, hurt and humiliated in all my life," she said. "I cannot believe what Howard Stern has done to me. In a blue million years, I would never have such vulgar things come out of my mouth. They have done editing or some sort of trickery to make this horrible, horrible thing.

"Please accept my apology for them and certainly know I had nothing to do with this. If there was ever going to be a lawsuit, it's going to be over this. Just wanted you to know that I am completely devastated by this."