Dolly Parton Responds To Rock Hall Induction After Attempt To Withdraw Name

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Dolly Parton shared a statement hours after she was announced as one of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. The country legend previously questioned whether she deserved to be inducted among rock artists, and on Wednesday (May 4), she pledged to “work hard and try to live up to the honor.” Parton wrote on her social media channels:

“I am honored and humbled by the fact that I have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Of course I will accept it gracefully. Thanks to everyone that voted for me and to everyone at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I will continue to work hard and try to live up to the honor.”

Parton signed her statement, “Love, Dolly.” Followers were quick to drop comments hailing Parton a “QUEEN” and a “LEGEND,” applauding her and assuring her she deserves the honor.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame President & CEO Greg Harris announced inductees on Wednesday morning. Others in the class include Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, Lionel Richie and more. John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, hailed the list a “diverse group of inductees (who) each had a profound impact on the sound of youth culture and helped change the course of rock & roll.”

Parton previously tried to withdraw her name from consideration, concerned that she didn’t “feel that I have earned that right,” and didn’t “want cotes to be split (from other nominees) because of me.” She also suggested that the induction could inspire her to record a rock album and hoped that the Rock Hall would consider her again someday “if I’m ever worthy.”

The Rock Hall, however, responded to Parton’s request and confirmed that Parton would still be 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,” the statement read, in part. “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.”

The 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is set for Saturday, November 5 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, the Rock Hall announced. See Parton’s statement here: