Dolly Parton 'bows out' of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame shortlist

She still plans on making a rock album

Dolly Parton in March 2022

Author: Scott ColothanPublished 15th Mar 2022
Last updated 15th Mar 2022

Dolly Parton has withdrawn from the nominations for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2022.

On 2nd February, Dolly Parton was named among the 17 eclectic acts on the shortlist for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2022 alongside the likes of Duran Duran, Eurythmics, Kate Bush, Lionel Richie, and Dionne Warwick.

The country legend released a statement on 14th March saying she does not 'feel that I have earned (the) right' to be included on the list.

She also explained that she does not 'want votes to be split because of me' so she must 'respectfully bow out.'

Dolly’s statement went on to say that she still plans to press ahead with making a 'great rock 'n' roll album' after first mooting the idea last month.

Dolly Parton’s full statement reads: '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.

'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! 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!'.

At the time of writing, Dolly Parton is still listed as among the 2022 nominees on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s website.

Artists become eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first single or album. Nominee ballots are sent to an international voting body of more than 1,000 artists, historians, and members of the music industry.

Factors such as an artist's musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation, and superiority in style and technique are all taken into consideration.

Fans can also vote on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's website - the fan's ballot will count as one of the 1,000+ ballots that decide the class of 2022.

The final artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022 will be revealed in May and the ceremony will take place in the autumn.