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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has reportedly rejected Dolly Parton’s withdrawal from consideration for this year’s induction into the hall of fame. Instead, the Rock Hall said in a statement on Thursday (March 17) that country music has been one of the genres in which rock & roll has “had deep roots” since it was established.
Parton announced her decision to remove her name from consideration for this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, explaining that she doesn’t “feel that I have earned that right…so I must respectfully bow out.” The country icon said she didn’t want to take away votes from any other artist on the ballot. Some applauded her statement, but the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation insisted that her nomination followed the same process as all other nominees. Read the full statement here:
“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 & Roll Hall of Fame. 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. 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 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.
“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.”
USA TODAY noted that despite her feelings of being out of place, Parton wouldn’t be the only legendary country artist in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Others, many of whom were also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, include Hank Williams, Chet Atkins, Bill Monroe and Brenda Lee.
On Monday (March 14), Parton announced her decision to drop out of consideration for the 2022 induction. Though she didn’t feel she “earned” the right to be considered, Parton said her nomination has “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.”
Parton was one of several artists on the ballot for the first time when the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced the list of nominees for the 2022 induction in February. Other first-time nominees included Beck, Eminem, Duran Duran, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon, and A Tribe Called Quest. Other nominees include Pat Benatar, Kate Bush, DEVO, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, Judas Priest, Fela Kuti, MC5, New York Dolls, Rage Against The Machine, and Dionne Warwick. Inductees will be announced in May, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2022 induction ceremony will be held this fall. See Parton’s announcement here: