She said yes! After initially declining her nomination to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame , Dolly Parton revealed she changed her mind after gaining a better understanding of the institution's criteria.
In a statement released in March, the country singer wrote that she was declining her nomination because she had never made rock music and felt that other artists were more deserving than she was. "I really don't want the votes to be split because of me, so I, with all due respect, withdraw from the voting," she wrote at the time.
Now, however, Parton admits to having changed her mind and that she will gladly accept the nomination if accepted into the institution "because the fans voted." Dolly also clarified that she changed her mind because her view of the Hall of Fame was somewhat misguided.
“I always thought the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was for people within rock, and I recently discovered that’s not necessarily the case,” she told NPR . “But if they’re not recognized there, then where do they go? I felt like I would be taking the place of someone who deserved it more than me because I never considered myself a rock artist. But obviously it’s bigger than that.”
Dolly Parton may still be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because the institution decided to keep the singer's name on the ballot, even after her public refusal of the honor. "Since its origins, Rock & Roll has deep roots in rhythm & blues and country music. It is not defined by just one genre, but by a sound that moves youth culture," they explained in a statement.
"Dolly Parton's music has impacted a generation of young fans and influenced countless artists who came after her. Her nomination for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame followed the same process as all other artists who have been considered," the institution concludes.
Voting is open to the public until this Friday, April 29th, and can be accessed by clicking here.
