Singer Dolly Parton is still under consideration for the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
The 17 other Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees are A Tribe Called Quest, Beck, Pat Benatar, Kate Bush, Devo, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Fela Kuti, Judas Priest, MC5, The New York Dolls, Rage Against the Machine, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon, and Dionne Warwick.
On Monday, the “9 to 5” singer asked to withdraw her nomination with a humble message posted to her Twitter account.
Dolly Parton Rejects Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Nomination: ‘I Don’t Feel That I Have Earned That Right’
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 14, 2022
It seems that the “Jolene” singer doesn’t feel that her country roots are enough to earn her a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On Twitter, she humbly asked to withdraw her nomination.
“Dolly here!” she began. “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. I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow about.”
“I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again – if I’m ever worthy,” the ever-humble Dolly 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’ freak, and has always encouraged me to do one.”
“I wish all of the nominees good luck and thank you again for the compliment,” she concluded. “Rock on!”
However, it seems her message comes a little too late, as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced on Thursday that they were unable to withdraw her nomination.
Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Does Not Accept Dolly Parton’s Withdrawl, Voting Already Underway
On Thursday, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame made its own statement on Twitter, announcing that they could not accept her withdrawal because the ballots had already sent out last month and that the voting process was already underway.
“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 and Roll Hall of Fame,” the message began. “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.”
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) March 17, 2022
“From its inception, Rock and Roll has had deep roots in Rhythm & Blues and Country music,” they went on. “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 to the Rock and 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,” they added.
They concluded the message, saying, “We are in awe of Dolly’s brilliant talent and pioneering spirit and are proud to have nominated her for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
How Do Fans Feel About Dolly Parton’s Continued Nominations?
Although fans had been calling on the Dollywood founder to reconsider, many weren’t too happy to hear that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was not respecting her wish not to be considered.
“Is not honoring her wishes any way to honor her?” one user asked.
“absolutely and she withdrew her nomination. I feel it would be disrespectful not to honor her wishes,” another pointed out.
“So are you going to withdraw her nomination as she requested?” another asked.
“Are you disrespecting Dolly’s wishes?” asked another. “You should probably clarify.”
Many other users felt that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame should change its name to be more inclusive of all of the artists that they nominate… unless they consider Dionne Warwick to be rock ‘n’ roll too.