Dolly Parton explains why she U-turned on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Dolly Parton has “gracefully” accepted her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after previously refusing the honour.

The “Jolene” singer will join fellow inductees Eminem, Duran Duran, Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, Eurythmics and Carly Simon in the performers category, months after claiming that she did not feel she had “earned” the right.

Dolly took to social media to thank fans and the museum for the recognition, writing: “I am honoured and humbled by the fact that I have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Of course I will accept it gracefully.”

“Thanks to everyone that voted for me and to everyone at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I will continue to work hard and try to live up to the honour.”

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA – JANUARY 24: Singer Dolly Parton Performs at Agua Caliente Casino on January 24, 2014 in Rancho Mirage, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images)

The singer’s statement has left fans speculating that she might be working on a rock and roll project.

The news took many by surprise, as earlier in February, the country singer and overall legend declined her nomination.

She said that despite feeling “flattered and grateful”, she did not consider herself a “rock and roll” artist.

However the Hall of Fame often celebrates musicians outside the realm of rock and roll.

As Dolly explained: “When I said that, it was always my belief that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was for the people in rock music. And I have found out lately it’s not necessarily that.”

 

In a statement, John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, said: “This diverse group of inductees each had a profound impact on the sound of youth culture and helped change the course of rock and roll.

“Their music moved generations and influenced so many artists that followed.”

The museum in Ohio has for decades been honouring music legends such as Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Janet Jackson and Jay-Z.

The ceremony celebrating Dolly and the new inductees will be held on Saturday, 5 November in Los Angeles. Tickets info will be available soon.