Country Music Icon, Dolly Parton Respectfully Bows Out Of Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Running For This Year

Dolly Parton

76-year-old country legend, Dolly Parton has bowed out of the race to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year after she was nominated.

The country music star, 76, said she did not feel she had "earned the right" to be featured on this year's 17-strong shortlist.

She said in a post on Instagram: "Dolly here! 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.

"I do hope that the Rock & 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!

"My husband is a total rock 'n' roll freak, and has always encouraged me to do one. I wish all of the nominees good luck and thank you again for the compliment. Rock on!"

This year's class will be announced in May, with an induction ceremony later in the year.

Dolly had previously shared her surprise at being included in the shortlist.

She told Billboard in February: "I was absolutely floored when I heard that. I've never thought of myself as being rock 'n' roll in any sense of the word - but I guess they judge it on the music and the influence certain songs have had, and I guess I've had songs with other people in that realm."

The hall of fame foundation was established in 1983 by Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who put together a team that included Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner, and Cleveland was chosen as the museum's permanent home.

To be eligible, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years ago.