Newly out-of-the-closet Chely Wright says she has "cried a million times" about hurting fellow country singer and one-time boyfriend Brad Paisley.

In excerpts from her new book printed in People magazine, the country star -- who came out as a lesbian -- says an unknowing Paisley was a victim of her sexuality secret.

"I have not been ashamed of myself often," she says in the book excerpts, "but I am ashamed of myself for choosing to be so cruel to another human being."

"Perhaps this book and my coming out will help him to understand," Wright says.