Updated: 1:50 p.m., Thursday, March 17, 2022
Country music legend Dolly Parton announced Monday morning that she wants her name withdrawn from consideration for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
"I don't feel that I have earned the right," the performer stated in posts across social media.
Parton was one of 17 acts nominated for hall of fame honors in February, covering a wide variety of popular music styles, from hip-hop to new wave.
Although the Sex Pistols notoriously refused to acknowledge their Rock Hall induction in 2006, it's rare for a nominee to pull out of contention.
The singer/songwriter stated that she was flattered by the Rock Hall nomination, but felt her presence might hurt the chances of others.
"I do hope the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again - if I'm ever worthy," Parton said.
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 14, 2022
For it's part, the New York-based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation responded that it believes Parton is quite worthy. In a statement Thursday, the foundation announced that it would keep her on the ballot:
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 to the Rock and 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 and Roll Hall of Fame.
-The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
An international group of over 1000 voters will make the final call on the 2022 honorees, which is due to be announced in May.
For proof that the singer/songwriter transcends the category of "country music," check out this interpretation of a Parton classic:
