The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has responded to country legend Dolly Parton’s request to “respectfully” bow out of the 2022 nomination into the hall and said she’s staying on the ballot.
“All of us in 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 & Roll Hall of Fame,” Rock Hall shared in a statement posted on Twitter. “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.”
“From its inception, Rock & Roll has had deep roots in Rhythm & Blues and Country music,” the statement added. “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 the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame followed the same process as all other artists who have been considered.”
“Dolly’s [Parton’s] nomination, along with the other 16 for the Class of 2022, was sent out earlier this month to our 1,100 general ballot voters, the majority of whom are artists themselves, for induction at our ceremony,” the statement continued. “We are in awe of Dolly’s brilliant talent and pioneering spirit and are proud to have nominated her for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) March 17, 2022
The 76-year-old country singer appeared on Fox News Thursday and talked about her wanting to be taken out of consideration for this year’s class of possible inductees, reported Variety.
“Well, I didn’t feel exactly right about that,” Parton explained. “Because my perception, and I think the perception of most of America — I just feel like that’s more for the people in rock music. I’ve been educated since then, saying that it’s more than that, but I still didn’t feel right about it. It kind of would be like putting AC/DC in the Country Music Hall of Fame. That just felt a little out of place for me.”
As previously reported, the “9 to 5” star shared a message on Instagram Monday about “respectfully” bowing out of her nomination.
“Dolly here!” the superstar wrote. “Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I don’t feel that I have earned that right.”
View this post on Instagram
“I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out,” she added. “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 record at some point in the future, which I have always wanted to do,” Parton continued. “My husband is a total rock ‘n’ roll freak, and always encouraged me to do one.”
In February, the “Steel Magnolias” star was included in the 2022 ballot along with the likes of Eminem, Duran Duran, and Lionel Richie, among others, reported Variety at the time.
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