CLEVELAND — The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame responded Thursday to Dolly Parton’s announcement that she did not want to be considered for induction.
Earlier this week, Parton said she did not want to be included for induction because she was not a rock and roll artist. The hall of fame said it is open to various genres of music.
“From its inception, Rock & Roll has had deep roots in Rhythm & Blues and Country music,” the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation wrote. “It is not defined by any one genre, rather a sound that moves youth culture. Dolly Parton’s music impacted a generation of young fans and influenced countless artists that followed.
“Her nomination to be considered for induction into to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame followed the same process as all other artists who have been considered,” it said.
Among more than 3.7 million votes, Parton ranks fourth in the fan vote with nearly 292,000 votes, as of Thursday.
“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. I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out,” Parton wrote.
The top five artists that are selected by the public will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2022 inductees, according to the Rock Hall.
Inductees are chosen by a committee of more than 1,000 people who vote each year. The committee includes members of the music industry, former inductees and historians.
In order to be eligible for induction, the artist or band must have released their first commercial recording 25 years before the nomination. Other factors included in the voting process are style and technique, influence on other artists, complete work and depth of career.
