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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame declines to remove Dolly Parton from the shortlist

They've released a statement

Author: Scott ColothanPublished 18th Mar 2022
Last updated 18th Mar 2022

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has declined Dolly Parton’s request to ‘bow out’ of this year’s shortlist.

Dolly Parton issued a statement on Monday (14th March) saying: “I don't feel that I have earned (the) right” to be nominated for the Rock & Hall Hall of Fame."

The 76-year-old Country legend added: “I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out.”

In a separate interview with Fox News on Thursday, Dolly said that being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: “Would be like putting AC/DC in the Country Music Hall of Fame.”

In response to Dolly Parton’s request, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame praised the singer in a glowing statement but insisted that she’s still on the ballot.

The Cleveland, Ohio institution, said: "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 and 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 and 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 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame followed the same process as all other artists who have been considered.

“Dolly’s recommendation, along with the other 16 nominees for the class of 2022 was sent out earlier this month to our 1,100 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 and Roll Hall of Fame.”

Dolly Parton isn’t the only 2022 nominee to speak out against the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the past week.

On Sunday, soul singer Dionne Warwick said she doesn’t ‘give a damn’ if she’s inducted this year.

“I'm not a rock and roller,” she told Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. “I’ve been interviewed on this subject many times. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as I grew to know it many, many years ago was specifically for rock and roll acts."