Lionel Richie, Eminem And Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Will Be Inducted Into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Lionel Richie

Eminem

Honorees Jimmy Jam (L) and Terry Lewis

Country music icon, Dolly Parton, 76, will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside other musical greats, despite initially attempting to decline the nomination earlier this year. She initially thought the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was for the people in rock music and wanted to remove herself from the ballot to ensure that votes for other acts were not split. After the misunderstanding took place, the “Jolene” singer gladly accepted the honor. Dolly Parton later explained,

“I’ll accept gracefully. I’ll just say, ‘Thanks,’ and I’ll accept it because the fans vote. But when I said that, it was always my belief that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was for the people in rock music. And I have found out lately that it’s not necessarily that, but if they can’t go there to be recognized, where do they go?”

In addition to those being inducted in the performer category, other industry trailblazers will be celebrated in various special categories. R&B/pop duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis will receive the musical excellence award along with heavy metal band Judas Priest. Legendary singer/actor/activist Harry Belafonte will receive the early influence award.