Dolly Parton Says ‘No, Thank You’ to Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Nomination

“I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out,” Parton wrote.

Dolly Parton doesn’t think she is good enough to be inducted into this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The iconic country singer was among 17 nominees announced last month, describing Parton as a “living legend and a paragon of female empowerment.” On March 14 she expressed gratitude and withdraw from her nomination in a statement on social media, saying basically that she doesn’t feel rock n roll enough to be considered in this category.

“I really don’t think I earned the right,” Parton wrote in her statement. “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! My husband is a total rock ‘n’ roll freak, and has always encouraged me to do one.”

The decision to withdraw her nomination was widely supported by fans, admirers and members of the rock community, who praised Parton’s integrity. The other 2022 nominees are Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Judas Priest, Rage Against the Machine, Kate Bush, Pat Benatar, New York Dolls, A Tribe Called Quest, Lionel Ritchie, Beck, Fela Kuti, MC5, DEVO, Carly Simon and Dionne Warwick.

The Rock Hall did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Selection was underway as of last month, and it was unclear what would happen to any potential votes already cast for Parton.