Dolly Parton Turns Down Her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
Dolly Parton has said “no, thank you” to her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame consideration. Back in February, the Rock Hall’s committee nominated the country legend for induction into the Class of 2022, along with 16 other artists. However, in a statement posted to social media on March 14, Parton politely rejected the nomination. Here’s what she said.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced the 2022 nominees in February
On Feb. 2, the Rock Hall debuted its list of 2022 nominees, including a diverse group of artists like Parton, Eminem, Lionel Richie, Rage Against the Machine, and more. This year marks Parton’s first nomination.
“With her trailblazing songwriting career, distinctive voice, campy glamour, business savvy and humanitarian work, Dolly Parton is a beloved icon who transcends the genre she changed forever,” the Rock Hall said of Parton.
Each year, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation looks at artists who have made an impact on rock ‘n’ roll. There’s only one eligibility requirement: artists must have at least a 25-year career following their first album release. In some cases, artists have received multiple nominations and inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
For the most part, voting is done by a large group of rock ‘n’ roll experts and historians. However, this year, the Rock Hall has introduced a public vote, which is now open.
Dolly Parton says she must ‘respectfully bow out’ of her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame consideration
A little more than a month after the nominations were revealed, Parton has announced that she’s “bowing out” of her consideration. In a statement on Twitter, seen above, the “9 to 5” singer said she’s “extremely flattered and grateful” for her nomination. However, she doesn’t feel she’s “earned that right” yet.
“I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out,” Parton wrote.
Parton added that she hopes the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will consider her for the honor someday in the future, “if I’m even worthy.” For now, though, the nomination has “inspired” her to release a “great” rock ‘n’ roll album someday soon.
“My husband is a total rock ‘n’ roll freak, and has always encouraged me to do one,” she continued. “I wish all of the nominees good luck, and thank you again for the compliment. Rock on!”
Dolly Parton has branched out into rock and pop, but country music is at her core
While Dolly Parton has mostly been recognized as a country artist, she did branch out into pop and rock music in the ’70s. As Showbiz Cheat Sheet previously reported, Parton told Soho Weekly News in 1978 that she wanted to create music for everyone. However, she’ll never let go of her country roots.
“My show is very much country and always will be, probably. But I wanted people in other areas that didn’t like country music to accept my music and to keep my country fans, too,” she said. “What I’m trying to do with my albums is that you know it’s me singing, and no matter what style of material I do, it still reeks with Dolly.”
