Legendary singer Dolly Parton has pulled out of the race to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year.
According to the singer, she is “respectfully bowing out” because she did not want to split the vote and also because she doesn’t feel that she has earned that right. The ‘country music’ star featured on the annual shortlist, alongside artists including Eminem, Lionel Richie, and Rage Against The Machine, when it was published in February this year.
This year’s class will be announced in May, with an induction ceremony later in the year. To be eligible, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years ago.
Part of Dolly Parton’s statement read: “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. 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!”
Dolly Parton
Referring to Carl Dean, her husband of nearly six decades, she noted “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!”
Parton had previously expressed surprise at being included in the shortlist. Speaking about the shortlist she said: “I was absolutely floored when I heard that. I’ve never thought of myself as being rock ‘n’ roll in any sense of the word, but I guess they judge it on the music and the influence certain songs have had, and I guess I’ve had songs with other people in that realm”.
Dolly Parton Declines other Honors
This isn’t the first time Parton has bowed out of a highly esteemed honor. Last year, Parton requested that Tennessee lawmakers not consider a bill that would allow a statue of herself to be built on the grounds of the state Capitol.
“I want to thank the Tennessee legislature for their consideration of a bill to erect a statue of me on the Capitol grounds”, Parton said on her social media pages at the time. “I am honored and humbled by their intention but I have asked the leaders of the state legislature to remove the bill from any and all consideration”.
During an interview, Dolly Parton also revealed that she was twice offered the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and had to turn down the offer both times, first because her husband had been sick, and the second time she was not able to travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hall of fame foundation was established in 1983 by Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who assembled a team that included Rolling Stone publisher, Jann Wenner, and Cleveland was chosen as the museum’s permanent home.
Country artists who have previously been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame include Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash, Jimmie Rodgers and more.
That notwithstanding, many of the museum’s most high-profile inductees have been from genres other than classic rock. In 2021, rapper and music mogul, Jay-Z was welcomed into the hall of fame alongside Foo Fighters.
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