Dolly Parton is saying ‘thanks, but no thanks’ to being nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Parton is, or rather was, one of seventeen artists up for consideration this year. The country star shared a statement on Monday asking to be taken out of the running:
“Even though I am extremely flattered 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 the votes split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out.
“I do hope that the Rock & 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!”
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 14, 2022
Many chimed in to respectfully disagree with Parton’s position, but there’s no denying she’s the ultimate class act for showing humility and grace.
Here’s what folks are saying:
That’s very humble, but I respectfully disagree. The Rock Hall of Fame is not hardcore rock and reflects many genres, and it feels like country would benefit greatly from your inclusion. Very magnanimous of you.
— Matthew Rettenmund (@mattrett) March 14, 2022
Ma’am, if you don’t deserve it, who does? Love your heart.
— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️⚧️🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) March 14, 2022
You deserve it all, Dolly.
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) March 14, 2022
Dolly Parton deserves her own Hall of Fame. Not just for her music but also for all of her generosity and kindness. If we had more people like her the world would be a much better place. I love Dolly and I hope that she will reconsider.
— Dan Gallagher (@PhillyDan21) March 14, 2022
Kindness and class. And we will be holding you to that rock album !! 🤘🔥
— victor (@VictorLegra) March 14, 2022
Oh, Dolly Parton, why are you so divine? Let me count the ways…
— Benjamin Ryan (@benryanwriter) March 14, 2022
How perfectly in keeping with a woman whose goodness is just for its own reward.
❤️
— Кошеня 🇺🇦 💙♫ 🦋 ♫ 💙 🇺🇸 Слава Україні! (@GatitaKicksAss) March 14, 2022
Parton, who recently released her new book Run, Rose, Run and its companion album, made headlines in 2020 for helping to battle the Covid-19 pandemic. She donated $1 million of her own money to Vanderbilt University, which went to help the development of the Moderna vaccine.
Last month, the outspoken LGBTQ ally also revealed that her amusement park, Dollywood, will pay 100% of tuition costs, fees, and books for any employee who wants to pursue a higher education.
Here’s the full list of 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees:
- Beck
- Pat Benatar
- Kate Bush
- DEVO
- Duran Duran
- Eminem
- Eurythmics
- Judas Priest
- Fela Kuti
- MC5
- New York Dolls
Dolly Parton- Rage Against The Machine
- Lionel Richie
- Carly Simon
- A Tribe Called Quest
- Dionne Warwick
cuteguy
Dolly is a legend pure and simple. Some if not most of the acts nominated are not Rock n Roll but if this act of humility prompts Dolly to record new music so she can feel “worthy”, I’m all for new music from this icon. She never ceases to amaze humankind. She is the epitome of sainthood
MarcyMayer
Dolly Parton is truly a decent and lovely human being.
Trublusu
In Cleveland, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is called …. The Mistake on the Lake !!
Cam
Pure class. Dolly would never create a fake Time Magazine cover with her face on it. Accomplished, successful and humble. Not very common.
Fahd
She’s terrific, I’ve always admired her talent and accomplishments, not to mention her compassion for others, no matter their station in life, and her ability to successfully manage the challenges life has put in her way. Not to be too effusive, but maybe she should be referred to the Vatican for potential nomination for sainthood.
kamirX
Dolly Parton has also declined the Presidential Medal of Freedom, TWICE. So refreshing to encounter someone not thirsty for attention in the age of social media.
Prax07
If they’re including non-rock artists they really should change the name of it.
Mr. Stadnick
The name should be changed it has included non-rock acts for years. Why is isn’t it “music hall of fame” .I understand Dolly’s reasons and yes that does make her honorable as she always has been.
Yooper
Dolly is bigger and more beloved than any hall of fame inductee or medal recipient.
jackscott
She is what you call a real class act!
white-queer-african
Just LUV Ms Parton.
jaimedance3
Having met this woman in 2010 in a 1 on 1 situation where we sat and talked for 30 minutes at Dollywood and receiving a hug before I left – she is down right 100% class, respectable, caring and loving! So glad we have stayed friends this entire time!
nm4047
can’t say I recall the last ‘rock n roll’ song Dolly wrote/performed, country music hall of fame yes, that I can understand. (same goes for a few pop song performers listed)
storm45701
You can only be nominated after at least 25 years in the business, and Parton had a tremendous amount of crossover success on the pop/rock charts in the 1970s and 1980s, with hits like “I Will Always Love You” (1982 version), the classic “Jolene”, the Kenny Rogers-duet “Islands in the Stream”, the gay-friendly “Baby I’m Burning”, and her signature song, “9 to 5”. Those tunes alone assure her inclusion in the Rock Hall nominations was not a joke or in error.
M K
I hear Caitlyn Jenner will be self-nominating herself in Dolly’s place. Two ends of the spectrum of class and grace.
Terrycloth
Look for Dolly’s version of the Led Zeppelin song Stairway to Heaven..it is in a word…Majestic..
Polaro
Dolly is one of my favorite people on the planet. She certainly has overachieved and deserves to be inducted. I understand her decision, but disagree with her this time.
TomG
Considering that Dolly is more a pop/country singer I can understand her turning down the Rock & Roll hall of fame. Now the Country Hall of Fame would be a different story.