Country music legend Dolly Parton initially declined her 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination, believing the honor belonged exclusively to rock artists rather than country performers. In a public letter, she respectfully requested that fans not split their votes on her behalf. However, Parton reconsidered her position after learning the Hall of Fame recognizes artists across multiple genres who have made significant cultural impact.
Parton ultimately accepted the induction and delivered a memorable performance at the Los Angeles ceremony. She debuted an original song titled “Rockin’ It” before performing “Jolene” alongside fellow inductees and presenters, including Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon, and artists such as Pink, Sheryl Crow, and Brandi Carlile. The collaborative performance became a highlight of the evening, showcasing Parton’s ability to unite musicians across genres.
True to her word during the induction speech, Parton released her rock album “Rockstar” the following year, featuring an impressive roster of guest artists including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Steven Tyler, Stevie Nicks, and Elton John. The project represented a long-held ambition that her husband had encouraged her to pursue throughout her career.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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