For many people, Dolly Parton is a rock & roll legend.

However, the country star has decided that she hasn't "earned" the right to be formally considered one of the all-time music greats.

In a move that has shocked many devoted Dolly fans, the 76-year-old singer bowed out of the running to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year.

Parton shared a message on her Instagram explaining why she had removed her name from consideration.

"Dolly here! Even though I am extremely flattered 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 the votes split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out," the 'Jolene' singer wrote.

"I do hope the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again - if I'm ever worthy," she continued.
[[instagramwidget|lhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CbFnWJhOieR/]]
Parton went on to hint that she didn't feel the music she had put out so far had been 'rock & roll' enough to make her eligible for the Hall of Fame. However, she also suggested that that might not always be the case.

"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," she wrote.

The songwriter wrapped up her message by saying: "I wish all the nominees good luck and thank you again for the compliment. Rock on!"

Parton isn't the first musician to withdraw their own name from the running. In past years, musicians including Axl Rose, John Lydon, and Todd Rundgren have all protested their own inclusion in the Rock Hall, Rolling Stone reports.

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Emma Stoner / Alamy]]

Meanwhile, she's not the only nominee whose music falls outside the traditional requirements of 'rock and roll'. Past nominees include Eminem, Duran Duran, Lionel Richie, and Kate Bush.

Even though she's bowing out of the running, Parton may still end up with a spot in the Hall of Fame as ballots have already been sent out with her name on them. We'll have to wait until May to find out who the final choices are, and whether Parton is among them.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy / London Entertainment

Dolly Parton withdraws herself from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame consideration