Dolly Parton is being considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 – or at least she was being considered. The mega country star shared a statement on her social media platforms on Monday, March 15, 2022, in which she expressed her wishes to bow out of the vote, as she feels that she has not “earned that right.” However, despite expressing her wishes, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has decided to keep Parton on this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee list.
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 14, 2022
Of course, there is ample evidence to suggest that Dolly Parton is worthy of being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. During her career thus far, she has won 11 Grammy Awards out of 50 nominations, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. She is one of the rare entertainers who has received at least one nomination from the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, and Emmy Awards. These awards come on top of all the additional philanthropic work she has committed herself to over the years.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame doesn’t always accept country artists. Most country artists who have been inducted also have dabbled in the rock and roll genre. Though Parton has yet to create a rock album she nonetheless is worthy of being inducted into the Hall of Fame. She has influenced multiple generations of entertainers, writes much of her own music, and has been unapologetically herself for her entire career. In our opinion, there is nothing more rock and roll than that.
Her message alludes to the fact that she might be interested in putting out a straight rock and roll album sometime in the near future and that the fact that she doesn’t have a rock album in her discography is why she feels she isn’t worthy of a nomination at this time.
However, on Thursday, March 17, 2022, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame said that she will remain on this years ballot, as the voting process is already well underway. In a statement, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation said, “All of us in the music industry 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. In addition to her incredible talent, her humility is another reason Dolly is a beloved icon by millions of fans around the world.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame noted that Dolly Parton’s nomination, along with the 16 other nominated artists, was sent out in early March 2022 to 1,200 general ballot voters. Because of this, Parton must remain in contemplation for a nomination. The Foundation added that officials were “in awe of Dolly’s brilliant talent and pioneering spirit,” and are proud that she was nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Of course, Dolly Parton isn’t the first artist to reject a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination. The Sex Pistols famously refused their 2006 induction by sending a note read at the ceremony. Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose also requested not to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
More from us: Michael Jackson Wanted To Destroy His ‘Thriller’ Music Video
This isn’t the first time Dolly Parton has declined an honor in her name. In February 2021, she asked the Tennessee legislature to not erect a statue in her honor with “all that is going on in the world.” Ever humble, Parton also expressed that she did not want to be put on a pedestal at that time.