Dolly Parton u-turns on her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination

Virgin Radio

3 May 2022, 11:25

Country music icon Dolly Parton is changing her tune about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Dolly proclaimed her wish to be removed from the prestigious list earlier this year, and insisted that she “bow out” of the ballot because she felt like she hadn’t “earned the right” to be there.

In her statement, Dolly explained: “I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out. I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again - if I’m ever worthy.”

The Hall of Fame organisers were having none of it, and decided to keep Dolly on the ballot, but now it seems Dolly herself has had a change of heart on the whole thing. 

While chatting to NPR’s Morning Edition, the 9 to 5 legend revealed she’s learned more about what the title actually means, and that it encompasses more than just rock and rollers. 

When asked what she would do if she did get inducted, Dolly replied: “I’ll accept gracefully and I’ll accept it because the fans vote.

“It was always my belief that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was for people in rock music. I have found out lately that it’s not necessarily that.

“But if they can’t go there to be recognised, where do they go? So I just felt like I was taking away from someone that maybe deserved it, certainly more than me, because I never considered myself a rock artist. But obviously, there’s more to it than that.”

Lucky for Dolly, she’s actually one step closer to landing in the hallowed Hall of Fame. 

The fan vote has officially closed and Dolly made the cut alongside Duran Duran, Eminiem, Pat Benatar and Eurythmics. 

These votes will be tallied alongside the other ballots to choose the final 2022 inductees, who are set to be revealed later this month. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony will take place this autumn.