Dolly Parton respectfully declines Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination for wonderful reason

Longtime progressive ally Dolly Parton announced on Monday morning she’s respectfully taking herself out of the running when it comes to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2022 nominations list. Parton shared a statement on social media, saying she is both “flattered and grateful” but ultimately doesn’t feel she’s earned “that right.” She went on to say she doesn’t want to split a vote, so she’s bowing out, and hopes to be considered again if she’s ever “worthy.” The country music singer—who helped fund COVID-19 vaccine research; provides free tuition, fees, and books for employees at Dollywood theme park; and runs a children’s literacy program—also said she’s “inspired” to put out a rock album. 

For reference, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has included artists who aren’t strictly or traditionally rock, like Johnny Cash, Madonna, and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Inductees for this year will be revealed in May. Parton’s announcement stirred social media, with plenty of folks sharing how deeply they appreciate the singer. 

RELATED: Dolly Parton donated $1 million to vaccine development, but doesn't want to 'jump' the line for shot

With Betty White watching over us, Dolly Parton has now claimed the position of The American Absolutely Everyone Likes, With No Exceptions https://t.co/kuv3HGNYau

— Eric Garland (@ericgarland) March 14, 2022

It’s 2025, and Dolly Parton has just politely declined the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts on childhood literacy and vaccine research.

— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️‍⚧️🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) March 14, 2022

The reason this website is worth having is you can be having a crappy day, and then pop in and hear about Dolly Parton paying the tuition for employees of her theme park and instantly feel better.

What an inspiration.

— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) March 13, 2022

We're the dictionary, but Dolly is defining the word 'humility.' 🦋

— Dictionary.com (@Dictionarycom) March 14, 2022

Just think how much better the world would be if we all tried to be even 1/100,000,000,000,000th as good or pure or righteous or kind or generous or funny or humble as @DollyPartonhttps://t.co/SCoIYa9IhP

— Noah Michelson (@noahmichelson) March 14, 2022

There is a Dolly Parton hall of fame and it’s the planet earth. Love you.

— tanya tagaq (@tagaq) March 14, 2022

The best thing about this Dolly Parton announcement is that she's like "I don't deserve to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — yet. But now that you mention it, I'll go on ahead and put out a rock album so I can accept this honor later. Talk soon! xx, Dolly."

— Heather Hogan (@theheatherhogan) March 14, 2022

Our very own Gabe Ortíz made a comment on Parton’s announcement, saying that Parton’s decline of her nomination in light of how it might affect others is “exactly why we love her.” Ortíz went on to praise Parton’s promotion of children’s literacy, messages of love and equality, and of course, her role in vaccine development. 

“Even though she said she feels she hasn't earned a place in the Rock Hall of Fame,” Ortíz added. “Let the record state she absolutely is a rock star.”