Dolly Parton Joins Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Despite Initially Rejecting Nomination

By Edna Wande Last updated May 4, 2022

Dolly Parton has been voted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, despite previously asking to “respectfully bow out” of contention for the honour.

Recall that the singer said in March that she was “extremely flattered” to be nominated, but felt she had not “earned the right” to be counted as a rock artist.

Parton, whose hits include Jolene, I Will Always Love You and 9 To 5, initially rejected her nomination, saying she didn’t think country music was eligible.

She had in March stated;

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!

However, she was too late because the ballots had already gone out.

Organisers rejected her rejection, though, saying that Rock & Roll “is not defined by any one genre“.

They said in a statement;

Dolly Parton’s music impacted a generation of young fans and influenced countless artists that followed. Her nominations to be considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame followed the same process as all other artists who have been considered.

As a result, the star will be inducted in November alongside Eminem, Carly Simon, the Eurythmics, Duran Duran, soul legend Lionel Richie and Pat Benatar.

The honorees – voted on by more than 1,000 artists, historians and music industry professionals – ‘each had a profound impact on the sound of youth culture and helped change the course of rock’n’roll,‘ said John Sykes, the chairman of the Rock Hall, in a statement on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, British heavy metal band Judas Priest will receive the musical excellence award, as will producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, whose work with Janet Jackson changed the sound of US pop in the 1980s and 90s.

The Hall of Fame has become more open to other genres in recent years, following criticism over its lack of diversity.

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were the first rap group to be inducted in 2007, with Run-DMC, Tupac Shakur and Jay-Z following in their footsteps.

There has also been an increase in the number of female honourees, with Tina Turner, Carole King, Janet Jackson and Nina Simone all making the grade.

This year’s ballot featured a diverse list of 17 artists, including some of music’s biggest names.

To be eligible, they must have released their first single 25 years ago – meaning Eminem succeeded in his first year of eligibility.

Artists and groups that failed this year for induction in the performer category are Nigeria’s Fela Kuti, A Tribe Called Quest, Rage Against the Machine, Dionne Warwick, Carly Simon, Judas Priest, Beck, Kate Bush, DEVO, MC5 and the New York Dolls.

The induction ceremony will be held November 5 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Dolly Parton Rock & Roll Hall of Fame