Entertainment
Dolly Parton Drops Out of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: ‘I Don’t Feel I Have Earned That Right’
The beloved singer feels she’s not yet worthy.
When Dolly Parton was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last month, we rejoice. Finally, the music legend was getting her due! But it seems Parton herself doesn’t agree, as the singer-songwriter just pulled herself off the list of nominees.
Parton tweeted a statement on Monday morning, explaining that she is withdrawing herself from consideration for this year’s class of nominees. For context, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducts a class of iconic musicians every year from a ballot of nominees. This year, Parton was on the ballot for the first time, along with rapper Eminem, crooner Lionel Richie, hit pop band Duran Duran, and singer-songwriter Carly Simon.
“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,” Parton wrote in a statement on Twitter. “I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out.”
A pool of over 1,000 artists, historians, journalists, and members of the music industry will select this year’s class. They take into account factors like the artists’ musical influence on others, the length and depth of their career, and more. While we think this certainly describes Parton, the singer thinks she’ll be more worthy in the future. Especially after she makes a rock album.
“I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again — If I’m ever worthy,” she 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’ 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!”
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 14, 2022
Why Dolly Parton Dropped Out of the Rock Hall of Fame
The move isn’t entirely surprising to those who follow Parton, as the singer often likes to take the spotlight off herself. In fact, she told Billboard after her nomination that she was “floored” when she heard the news and wasn’t sure how well she fit into the category.
“I’ve never thought of myself as being rock and 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. But I don’t know how they judge that,” she said.
Well, we hope Parton feels different after releasing a rock album. She definitely deserves all the accolades!
