Dolly Parton Turns Down Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination

Where do we register complaints?

Written by Chris Parton
Dolly Parton Turns Down Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: Co-host Dolly Parton speaks onstage during the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards at Allegiant Stadium on March 07, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for ACM)

Although Dolly Parton clearly has all the class in the world, there’s one class that will not have Dolly — the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022.

After being nominated for the honor in February, the country icon has pulled herself out of the running, but it’s not because she doesn’t want to be labeled a “rock artist.” The 76-year-old national treasure doesn’t think she’s earned the right.

“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,” Parton posted on Instagram. “I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out.”

Respectfully disagree, Dolly! While there’s no word on what prompted her decision, Parton will now leave it up to this year’s other sixteen nominees: Beck, Pat Benatar, Kate Bush, Devo, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Judas Priest, Fela Kuti, MC5, New York Dolls, Rage Against the Machine, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon, A Tribe Called Quest and Dionne Warwick.

Fan voting is already open, and users have been casting ballots for their top five picks. As it stands now, Parton would have been chosen as a member, coming in fourth with over 282,000 votes. Duran Duran are currently leading, followed by Eminem and Pat Benetar. On the bubble in fifth are the Eurhythmics, with Judas Priest not far behind (and ready to take Parton’s spot). If they make it, they should definitely send a fruit basket or something.

Without doubt, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will no doubt be less vibrant without Parton in the fold, but oddly enough, she is leaving the door open for another nomination in the future. … After she records a true rock album.

“I do hope the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again — if I’m ever worthy,” Parton writes. “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.”

We should all be so lucky. Along with her legendary career as a country singer-songwriter, Parton has also released gospel and bluegrass albums in the past, and lately she is all about trying new forms of expression. Just last week the superstar released her first ever novel, Run, Rose, Run — co-written with best-seller James Patterson about an aspiring country singer who hides the dark secrets of her past inside her songs. The project also included a full album of songs inspired by the story, also called Run, Rose, Run.

Meanwhile, Parton just wrapped up a co-hosting gig at the 2022 ACM Awards in Las Vegas, where she also performed her new song “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans” with Kelsea Ballerini. And if she ever does decide to do a rock album, the first copy is already sold.

“My husband is a total rock ‘n’ roll freak, and has always encouraged me to do one,” she wrote. I wish all of the nominees good luck, and thank you again for the compliment. Rock on!”

For the record, we believe Dolly Parton is very much worthy of the honor. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame features artists from many genres of American music, including country stars like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and more. Parton’s profile extends far beyond the country universe, and let’s not forget, she wrote one of the greatest pop songs of all time — “I Will Always Love You,” the signature hit of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Whitney Houston. Parton deserves to be in Cleveland for that one alone.