The Farr Side: Dolly Parton worthy of Rock Hall, but her impact extends beyond that

Dolly Parton’s coat of many colors gained a few more squares over the past couple of weeks.

The iconic superstar has made headlines that are merely a dream for other stars.

Earlier this year, Parton was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was an honor, but also something the singer doesn’t believe she earned. Can you imagine someone like Dolly Parton not feeling worthy? Her humbleness was silenced by the Rock Hall committee, since it was too late to withdraw the ballots.

What she failed to acknowledge was her influence on other performers. Her songwriting alone was enough. But her life in the entertainment business made her a shoo-in. It was only a matter of time before the voters saw fit to get her nominated.

I was in awe of Parton’s statements regarding the honor, but I knew she would make the cut regardless. I loved knowing that she brought a new facet to the concept of of who should be included. Now we just need to see some fellow crossover artists see their legacies enshrined alongside her, particularly Kenny Rogers.

Last month, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony featured the class of 2022. In addition to Parton, it includes Duran Duran, Eminem, Pat Benatar, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon and Judas Priest. What a great group of artists! Rock ’n’ roll is an amalgam of so many things. It’s inclusive and these artists show its diversity. It’s a wonderful thing.

Parton, 76, donned a leather outfit and electric guitar to jam with the likes of Pink, Judas Priest, Sheryl Crow, Zak Brown Band and others like the superstar we know and appreciate. Her acceptance speech was as sweet as her soul. Humbled and prideful, she lived up to the promise she made the day the class was announced. She said if she’s going to be in the hall of fame, she would need to “earn it.” That she did, Parton performed her first-ever rock song, “Rockin.’”

“I’m sure a lot of you knew that back when they said they were gonna put me in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I didn’t feel like I had done enough to deserve that. I didn’t understand at the time that it’s about more than that, but I’m just so honored and proud to be here tonight,” she told the Los Angeles gathering.

Just days before the ceremony, Parton released a press statement that she planned to retire from touring. This news came as a shock to many, but her reasons for doing so make sense to me. Her whole life has been as a woman on the move. Music, movies, TV, recording and touring didn’t allow for much personal time. Throw in the mix her philanthropy and you have a woman who has never known the meaning of “working 9 to 5.” She has gone non-stop for six decades.

Parton made news again last weekend. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and his partner, Lauren Sanchez, bestowed the singer with the Courage and Civility Award. This isn’t just another award for Parton. It comes with a bonus $100 million for the recipient. Yes, you read that correctly.

Bezos chose Parton for the honor being for being a “beloved philanthropist” who “embodies these ideals so thoroughly …  She gives with her heart. What she has done for kids, for illiteracy and so many other this is just incredible.”

Parton was caught off-guard by the dollar amount. The money will used to benefit multiple charities at Parton’s discretion.

David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: The Farr Side: Dolly Parton worthy of Rock Hall, but her impact extends beyond that