Dolly Parton Declines Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nomination: “I Don’t Feel That I Have Earned That Right”

Dolly Parton has withdrawn her eligibility for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2022, the legendary country singer/songwriter/pop culture icon announced on Monday.

After initially being part of the announced class of nominees for inclusion, Parton had a change of heart about her eligibility, issuing a statement to that effect:

“Dolly here! Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated… I don’t feel that I have earned that right. I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out.

“I do hope that the Rock and 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. I wish all of the nominees good luck and thank you again for the compliment. Rock on!”

❤️ pic.twitter.com/Z6LKfWtlxg

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 14, 2022

With Dolly Parton respectfully bowing out, the following remain eligible for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inclusion:

Eminem
Rage Against the Machine
Duran Duran
Judas Priest
New York Dolls
Carly Simon
A Tribe Called Quest
Lionel Richie
Kate Bush
Devo
Beck
Pat Benatar
Eurythmics
Fela Kuti
The MC5
Dionne Warwick

You have to hand it to Dolly for always being the pinnacle of humility and honesty — and, while we’re on the topic of her statement, here’s hoping that “great rock ‘n’ roll album” does come about in the future!

In the meantime, be sure to check out Run, Rose, Run, Dolly’s new studio album that is part of a project with author James Patterson. Click here for more.