Dolly Parton might have tried to withdraw her name from the list of potential inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but her request has been denied. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame says they stand by their decision to nominate the Grand Ole Opry member, which is why her name will remain on the ballot.
“All of us in the music community have seen Dolly Parton’s thoughtful note expressing her feeling that she has not earned the right to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame said in a statement posted on social media. “In addition to her incredible talent as an artist, her humility is another reason Dolly is a beloved icon by millions of fans around the world.
“From its inception, Rock & Roll has had deep roots in Rhythm & Blues and Country music,” the statement continued. “It is not defined by any one genre, rather a sound that moves youth culture. Dolly Parton’s music impacted a generation of young fans and influenced countless artists that followed. Her nomination to be considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame followed the same process as all other artists who have been considered.
“Dolly’s nomination, along with the other 16 artists for the class of 2022, was sent out earlier this month to our 1,200 general ballot voters, the majority of whom are artists themselves, for consideration for induction at our ceremony,” the statement concluded. “We are in awe of Dolly’s brilliant talent and pioneering spirit and are proud to have nominated her for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) March 17, 2022
Parton shared in a post on social media that she did not feel that it was right for her name to be on the list, which includes Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, Lionel Richie, Devo, Carly Simon, Dionne Warwick and more.
“Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I don’t feel that I have earned that right,” Parton said at the time. “I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out.
“I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again — if I’m ever worthy,” she continued. “This has, however, inspired me to put out a hopefully rock ‘n’ roll album at some point in the future, which I have always wanted to do! My husband is a total rock ‘n’ roll freak, and has always encouraged me to do one. I wish all of the nominees good luck and thank you again for the compliment. Rock on!”
In a conversation earlier this week on Fox News, the 76-year-old explained why she didn’t feel she belonged in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, at least not yet.
“I didn’t feel exactly right about that because my perception, and I think the perception of most of America, I just feel like that’s more for the people in rock music,” Parton explained. “I’ve been educated since then, saying that it’s more than that, but I still didn’t feel right about it. It kind of would be like putting AC/DC in the Country Music Hall of Fame. That just felt a little out of place for me.”
Parton might not feel like she belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but she wouldn’t be the only country artist inducted. Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley are some of the country artists who have previously been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
This year, fans also have the opportunity to vote on which artists should be inducted. The Fan Vote, available at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s website, allows fans to vote for their favorite artist once a day through April 29, both online or in person. The Top 5 artists according to fan votes will be part of a fans’ ballot, which will be counted with the other nominee ballots.
This year’s class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will be announced in May, with the induction ceremony taking place this fall.