Not So Fast, Dolly! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Responds to Parton Withdrawing Her Nomination
She’s still in the running!
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has declined Dolly Parton’s request to have her nomination withdrawn. On Monday, Parton issued a statement (seen below on her Instagram) that said that although she was “flattered and grateful” for the honor, she was concerned her presence on the ballot would split votes. “I don’t feel I have earned that right,” she wrote.
On Thursday, the Hall of Fame foundation confirmed that she’s going to remain on the ballot, as voting is already underway. In a statement they said that “from its inception, Rock and Roll has had deep roots in Rhythm & Blues and Country music… Dolly Parton’s music impacted a generation of young fans and influenced countless artists that followed.
“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,” the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation said in a statement provided to USA TODAY. “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.”
The statement added that Hall officials respected the star’s “thoughtful note,” noting that “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.”
Parton is on the ballot with artists like Beck, Duran Duran, Eminem, Pat Benatar, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon, Dionne Warwick, Eurythmics, A Tribe Called Quest, Kate Bush, Devo, Judas Priest, Fela Kuti, MC5, New York Dolls and Rage Against the Machine. Fan voting is open through April 29th at vote.rockhall.com or on site at the hall of fame museum in Cleveland. The top five artists selected by the public will make up the “fans ballot” to be tallied along with the other ballots to select the new inductees for the year.