Despite Parton "bowing out," she'll still remain on the list of nominees, officials say.
*Originally published on March 15, 2022
Updated on March 17, 2022:
On Monday, country music star Dolly Parton took to social media to ask the Hall to withdraw her name from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2022 ballot, stating, "I don't feel that I have earned the right."
But despite this, officials at the Cleveland institution have confirmed that Dolly Parton will remain on the list of nominees. In a letter, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame wrote:
"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 & Roll Hall of Fame. 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.
From its inception, Rock & Roll has had deep roots in Rhythm & Blues and Country music. 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 & Roll Hall of Fame followed the same process as all other artists who have been considered.
Dolly’s nomination, along with the other 16 artists 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.
We are in awe of Dolly’s brilliant talent and pioneering spirit and are proud to have nominated her for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."
"I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out," she said in the post. "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 record at some point in the future, which I have always wanted to do."
The nominee class for this year's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame includes Eminem, Beck, Duran Duran, A Tribe Called Quest, Lionel Richie, and more.
What do you think of Dolly Parton withdrawing from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Sound off in the comments below.