The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is denying singer Dolly Parton’s request to have her name withdrawn from induction consideration. In fact, she may have just strengthened her chances of joining the class of 2022.
On Monday, the “9 to 5″ singer wrote on Instagram that she was flattered to have been nominated, but hadn’t “earned that right” to be inducted when ballots are counted in May. The RRHOF said in a statement to the Daily News that that’s why they love her.
“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,” the RRHOF wrote. “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.”
The Cleveland-based institution said that because rock music has “deep roots in Rhythm & Blues and Country music,” induction isn’t solely about a genre, but rather “a sound” that influences youth culture.
“Dolly Parton’s music impacted a generation of young fans and influenced countless artists that followed,” they added. “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.”
Parton, who appears for the first time on this year’s ballot, is one of 17 candidates being considered by the hall’s 1,200 voters.
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