This November, Dolly Parton will join the likes of Eminem, Duran Duran and Lionel Richie in their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, despite the fact that she initially asked to be omitted from the voting on account that she’s never released a rock record.
Dolly Parton at the ACM Awards 2022 / Image credit: Maria Alejandra Cardona/REUTERS/Alamy Stock Photo
Unfortunately (or not) for Dolly, the ballots had already been released and the voting commenced by the time she requested to be left out.
“Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I don’t feel that I have earned that right,” Dolly wrote in a statement. “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,” she added. “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!”
Even if the voting hadn’t commenced, it seems Dolly would still have been in the running with organisers insisting that rock ‘n’ roll “is not defined by any one genre” and that Dolly’s music “influenced countless artists that followed” - many of which were in the rock arena.
The Jolene hitmaker isn’t about to argue with the voting results, however, and she recently confessed in an interview with NPR that she is happy to accept the honour now that she knows the Hall of Fame isn’t just for people in the world of rock ‘n’ roll.
Indeed, looking at some of her fellow inductees this year, that sentiment is made clear. We have icons of rap (Eminem), soul (Lionel Richie), synth-pop (Eurythmics) and new wave (Duran Duran), as well as rock legends like Judas Priest landing an award for “musical excellence”. Carly Simon, Pat Benetar and more will join the class of 2022 winners.
MORE: Dolly Parton wants The Rolling Stones to play on her rock album
“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 gracefully,” Dolly said of the news. “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.”
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