To be honest, I figured she was already inducted. I thought Dolly Parton had won or earned every accolade available, but somehow this one got away. After she passed away last week, Dolly's loyal fans have taken to multiple causes to honor her and continue her legacy.

One of the coolest things to happen is Tennessee Governor Bill Lee's announcement to rename Nashville International Airport after her. This decision came after a petition was reinvigorated online. We all want to be able to say we are "departin' from D. Parton." Travelers are already even calling the airport by the new name.

I'm sure we will see more dedications and posthumous awards for her as time passes, but there is one that is already being talked about. How in the world was Dolly never inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame? I mean, she's in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but not the one dedicated to the music of her mountains? The music of her people?

Especially considering her Bluegrass albums earning multiple IBMA nominations & awards. As well as those pickin' & grinnin' skills! Those fingernails could really get fired up back in the day.  I was recently reminded of a cover she did of the song "Shine" by Collective Soul. I love the original, but I may just like her bluegrass version better. She has amazing musicians on the track too.

Which isn't surprising. She has been friends and collaborators with anybody who is anybody in the bluegrass world. You'll hear them sing her songs and her praises. My buddy Chris Langdon shared a feature from The Bluegrass Situation the other day. This article makes an excellent case if you want to take a look. Do you agree that Dolly should be inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame?

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Wynonna Judd @ ROMP 2025

Gallery Credit: Ashley S

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