Dolly Parton Declines Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nod, Dionne Warwick ‘Doesn’t Give a Damn’ About Being Nominated

With names like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and many other of music history’s most celebrated acts lining its classes, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame easily stands as one of the most prestigious accomplishments any recording artist can boast.

Yet, the ongoing omission of some of the entertainment genre’s biggest movers and shakers (i.e. Cher, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan) and the delayed entry of others has fans and artists alike raising eyebrows at the voting academy that determines the inducted class each year.

Like the GRAMMYs and the controversy courted about its voting procedures (as we reported here), some are calling for more transparency about the Hall’s selection process before fan voting. Others, like legendary music icon Dionne Warwick, simply ‘don’t give a damn.’

As we reported here, Warwick was among a slew of history-making names including Eminem, Lionel Richie, Duran Duran, and others who are nominated for inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2022 class. For Dionne, it’s a second time around after losing out in last year’s race for induction.

Taking to ‘Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen’ Sunday (March 13), the diva made clear her stance on the possibility of nabbing the prestigious honor this time.

“No, I don’t!,” she responded when asked if she gives a damn about potential induction. “I’m not a rock and roller. I’ve been interviewed on this subject many times. The Rock Roll Hall of Fame as I grew to know it many, many years ago was specifically for rock and roll acts.”

Suggesting the organization consider a name change for inclusion’s sake, Warwick did go on to praise Dolly Parton for scoring a nod – ironically just a day before the Country music queen took to press to withdraw from candidacy.

“Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock and 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 – who has sold over 100 million records and has a career spanning over 6 decades – said on social media Monday (March 14).

And though she discredits her induction-worthiness now, the ‘I Will Always Love You’ singer suggested she may not always feel that way.

“I do hope that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again – if I’m ever worthy. 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,” she said.

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Click here to see the full list of 2022 RnR Hall of Fame nominees.