Lord of the Dance
Dolly Parton inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame despite earlier rejecting nomination
Entertainment

Dolly Parton inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame despite earlier rejecting nomination

DOLLY PARTON has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame despite earlier rejecting her own nomination.

"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 when nominations were released in February.

"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 every 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!

"My husband is a total rock 'n' roll freak, and has always encouraged me to do one. I wish all os the nominees good luck and thank you again for the compliment. Rock on!" the post finished.

However, last week the 'Jolene' singer told NPR's 'Morning Edition' that she would in fact accept the honour if she received the votes.

The country legend explained that her initial decision to decline the nomination was due to a misunderstanding.

"It was always my belief that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was for people in rock music," she said. "I have found out lately it’s not necessarily that. But if they can’t go there to be recognized, where can they go? And so I felt like I was taking away from someone that maybe deserved it certainly more than me since I never considered myself a rock artist. But obviously, there’s more to it than that."

Responding to Parton's initial rejection, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced that it was too late for Parton to be removed from the ballot, which has already been sent out to the foundation's voters.

"Dolly’s nomination, along with the other 16 for the Class of 2022 was sent out earlier this month to our 1,100 general ballot voters, the majority of whom are artists themselves, for induction at our ceremony," the Rock Hall said in a statement.

"We are in awe of Dolly’s brilliant talent and pioneering spirit and are proud to have nominated her for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."

In any case, Parton has received enough votes and was today announced as an inductee into the hall alongside Eminem, Lionel Ritchie, Carly Simon and Eurythmics, to name but a few.

To be eligible for induction, artists must have released their first record 25 years before induction.