Getting back to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2022, we arrive at a musical legend whose excellence nobody can deny: Dolly Parton. Parton is the first female country artist inducted into the Hall.
Parton herself questioned whether she belonged in the Rock Hall and initially declined the nomination, stating that she wasn’t “worthy” of the honor. That’s not how the admission process works, however, so she made it on the ballot whether she wanted to or not. Eventually she embraced the honor and performed, with typical charm and humility, at the induction ceremony.
By now it’s clear that the Hall’s definition of “rock and roll” has expanded beyond the most restrictive classification. And if country artists are eligible, Dolly Parton sure as hell belongs. She is one of the most prolific and beloved songwriters and performers the genre has produced.
During the induction ceremony, Parton claimed she had to earn her new “rock star” status, and performed a new song — titled ‘Rockin’ — that name-checked the rock-n-roll artists she grew up loving. She later announced she would soon release her first rock album. God bless her.
Back through the years I go wandering once again
Back to the seasons of my youth
I recall a box of rags that someone gave us
And how my mama put the rags to use
[Verse 2]
There were rags of many colors, every piece was small
And I didn’t have a coat and it was way down in the fall
Mama sewed the rags together sewing every piece with love
She made my coat of many colors that I was so proud of
[Verse 3]
As she sewed, she told a story from the Bible she had read
About a coat of many colors Joseph wore and then she said
Perhaps this coat will bring you good luck and happiness
And I just couldn’t wait to wear it and momma blessed it with a kiss
[Bridge 1]
My coat of many colors that my mama made for me
Made only from rags but I wore it so proudly
Although we had no money I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors my mama made for me
[Verse 4]
So with patches on my britches and holes in both my shoes
In my coat of many colors I hurried off to school
Just to find the others laughing and making fun of me
In my coat of many colors my mama made for me
[Verse 5]
But they didn’t understand it for I felt I was rich
And I told them of the love my mama sewed in every stitch
And I told them all the story mama told me while she sewed
And how my coat of many colors was worth more than all their clothes
[Bridge 2]
But they didn’t understand it and I tried to make them see
That one is only poor only if they choose to be
Now I know we had no money but I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors my mama made for me
Made just for me
Meet Me In Montauk 
Even under a less expansive definition of the Rock Hall, I would have no issue with Dolly Parton’s admission. She seems as foundational to rock music as Hank Williams and Johnny Cash were.
Just love Dolly!