"Not worthy": Dolly Parton bows out of major award
Dolly Parton, the Queen of country, was one of the several illustrious artists being inducted later this year into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In the early hours of this morning, she withdrew her name from consideration.
"Even though I am extremely flattered to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I don't feel that I have earned that right," the 76-year-old songstress wrote in a statement shared to Instagram.
"I really do not want the votes split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out."
Dolly did not explicitly go into specifics as to her reasoning why she does not feel worthy, but she did allude to the fact that she hasn't produced a straight rock and roll record.
"I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again — if I'm ever worthy," Parton's statement continued.
"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 is a total rock 'n' roll freak, and has always encouraged me to do one."
"I wish all of the nominees good luck and thank you again for the compliment. Rock on!" her statement concludes.
Although she has requested to be removed from consideration, it isn't entirely up to her. Musicians such as John Lydon, Todd Rundgren and Axl Rose have previously protested their inclusion, but were voted in regardless. In fact, when Sex Pistols were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, Lydon sent an angry letter to be read at the ceremony.
Additionally, ballots featuring her name have already been sent out, so it may be beyond her control. If she is inducted, however, she can abstain from attending the ceremony, like Lydon did.
Image: Getty