Dolly Parton Removes Herself From Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Nominations: ‘I Must Respectfully Bow Out’

Dolly Parton has withdrawn her name from this year’s Rock And Roll Hall of Fame nominations, sharing that she doesn’t believe she has “earned the right” to receive such an honor.

The 76-year-old country icon, who was just one of seventeen artists nominated in the 2022 class for the Rock Hall, took to social media on Monday, March 14, to remove herself from the 2022 ballot. 

“Dolly here! 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 out,” Parton wrote. “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 “9 to 5” singer went on to share that the nomination has inspired her to put out a rock ‘n roll album in the future.

“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!” Parton said. “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 Wants To Release A Rock Album Similar To Heart Or Linda Ronstadt

During a recent interview with Billboard, Parton opened up about the unexpected nomination, which she revealed she “was absolutely floored when I heard that.” 

“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,” Parton continued. 

She also revealed at the time that she was “not expecting” to get into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, however, she admitted “if I do, I’ll immediately, next year, have to put out a great rock and roll album — which I’ve wanted to do for years, like a Linda Ronstadt or HEART kind of thing.”

Parton was previously inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 1986, the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 1999 and the National Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 2001.