This lady has one helluva lot of class. Usually when someone rejects an award or honor, they do so out of protest of some type of condition or politics. But she quite simply said that she did not deserve the honor, and did so in a very respectful way:
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," she said in a statement. "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!" she wrote. "My husband [Carl Dean] is a total rock 'n' roll freak, and has always encouraged me to do one. I wish all the nominees good luck and thank you again for the compliment. Rock on!"
https://people.com/country/dolly-parton ... me-ballot/
Can you imagine a professional athlete ever declining a nomination to a HOF because they aren't worthy of it?
On a side note, I do wish that Johnny Carson was still around. I can imagine the jokes he'd have in his monologue about this subject.