Dolly Parton Asks Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame To Withdraw Her Nomination

Singer Dolly Parton surprised many fans on Monday when she announced that she was withdrawing her nomination from the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame.

Last week, the “9 to 5” singer hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards after the 17 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees were announced. The other nominees are A Tribe Called Quest, Beck, Pat Benatar, Kate Bush, Devo, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Fela Kuti, Judas Priest, MC5, The New York Dolls, Rage Against the Machine, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon, and Dionne Warwick.

It seems that the “Jolene” singer doesn’t feel that her country roots are enough to earn her a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On Twitter, she posted a short statement announcing her decision to withdraw her nomination.

“Dolly here!” she began. “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. I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow about.”

“I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again – if I’m ever worthy,” the ever-humble Dolly continued. “This has, however, inspired me to put out a hopefully great rock ‘n’ roll album at some point in the future, which I have always wanted to do! My husband is a total rock ‘n’ freak, and has always encouraged me to do one.”

“I wish all of the nominees good luck and thank you again for the compliment,” she concluded. “Rock on!”

Many fans flocked to social media to share their support for the Dollywood founder after her message.

“Among the many reasons @DollyParton is so loved by so many people including myself and revered as the queen of country forever,” one fan commented.

Writer Rachel Sage tweeted, “I think we all know that Dolly, as a songwriter, artist, and performer, deserves to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but we also know that she is a brilliant creator who crafts her image and legacy on her own terms. The Queen has spoken.”

“Ma’am, if you don’t deserve it, who does?” another asked. “Love your heart.” Another fan replied, “You deserve it all, Dolly.”

The official Twitter account for Dictionary.com even chimed in, writing, “We’re the dictionary, but Dolly is defining the word ‘humility.’”

Others offered songs they wanted Dolly Parton to cover, such as Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” played to the tune of “Coat of Many Colors” or Slayer’s “Seasons in the Abyss” played to the tune of “Islands in the Stream.”

“Dolly, please reconsider. You are a person whose influence crosses many genres. Your contribution to music is being honored here. It has been an honor voting for you daily. As I feel you more than deserve the honor,” one fan wrote.

“Please realize that you're not splitting anyone's vote. People have a 5 person/group vote,” they continued. “They don't have to put your name on their ballot. & you are truly more deserving than the top 2 vote getters so far & most of the other nominees. You deserve induction to the R&RHOF.”

“You are in the top 5 vote getters in the fan vote. Have been since the beginning,” they noted. “That means we, the fans are voting for your induction because we think you deserve the honor. Thank you for being you, your personal example, & unending humility. But you deserve this.”

“That's very humble, but I respectfully disagree [with Dolly],” another fan wrote. “The Rock Hall of Fame is not hardcore rock and reflects many genres, and it feels like country would benefit greatly from your inclusion. Very magnanimous of you.”

Many other fans suggested that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame needs to change its names to be inclusive of all music genres, especially considering Dionne Warwick also questioned her nomination.