Dolly Parton Will Accept Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Nomination After All
By Kristin Myers on April 30, 2022 at 3:30 PM EDT
Singer Dolly Parton has changed her mind about her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination.
Although she initially said that she couldn’t accept it, the Hall of Fame informed her that she couldn’t take back her nomination, so now it looks like she’s graciously accepting it!
Dolly Parton Asks To 'Respectfully Bow Out' Of Hall Of Fame Nomination
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 14, 2022
Last month, the “Jolene” singer humbly asked to withdraw her nomination in a brief Twitter statement.
“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 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,” 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!”
However, a few days later, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced that they were unable to withdraw her nomination.
Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Rejects Dolly Parton's Rejection!
A few days after her announcement, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame made its own statement on Twitter, announcing that they could not accept her withdrawal because the ballots had already sent out last month and that the voting process was already underway.
“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 and Roll Hall of Fame,” the message began. “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.”
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) March 17, 2022
“From its inception, Rock and Roll has had deep roots in Rhythm & Blues and Country music,” they went on. “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 to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame followed the same process as all other artists who have been considered.”
“Dolly’s nomination, along with the other 16 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,” they added.
They concluded the message, saying, “We are in awe of Dolly’s brilliant talent and pioneering spirit and are proud to have nominated her for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
Dolly Parton Will ‘Just Say Thanks’ When The Time Comes
In late April, the Dollywood founder was talking to NPR about her upcoming collaboration with James Patterson, titled “Run, Rose Run.” When asked about the nomination, Dolly said that she’ll “just say thanks and I’ll accept it because the fans vote.”
In a separate interview, she had said, “I just felt like I would be taking away from someone that maybe deserved it, certainly more than me, because I never considered myself a rock artist. But obviously, there's more to it than that.”
Dolly Parton is a beloved icon and many fans feel that she has more than earned the right to appear in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Please realize that you're not splitting anyone's vote. People have a 5 person/group vote. 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
— 🌻 j. l. lindsey 🌻 (@jll12572) March 14, 2022
As one Twitter user wrote, “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.”