Natalie Maines says MSNBC host Rachel Maddow would be her “lesbian girl crush.”

Maines drew instant condemnation in 2003 when she remarked that the Dixie Chicks were “ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas.” But criticizing Iraq War policy wasn't the only hot button issue Maines was willing to take on.

The 38-year-old Maines returns to spotlight this week with Mother, her first solo album.

In an interview with Michigan gay weekly Pride Source, Maines discussed her support for gay rights and her crush on Maddow.

“[T]his is definitely a lesbianish haircut I've got going on,” she said. “I don't mind. I love Rachel Maddow. She would be my lesbian girl crush. … She's hot! And she's smart and beautiful … and I like her hair.”

“To be in country music, I felt like we were accepted because of our differences, really, and we went beyond your typical country fan base, and I feel like it was because we were different. It was a real surprise to me that people thought I was something that I wasn't. I felt disappointed in myself! How could I let anyone think anything else?! (Laughs) But we did always answer questions if we were asked them, and I always supported women's rights and gay marriage and everything,” Maines said.