It was a night that glittered with star power—and nothing shone brighter than Dolly Parton’s unforgettable “Jolene” performance at the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Center stage in Los Angeles on November 5, the country icon was joined by an extraordinary ensemble of fellow inductees—including Pat Benatar, Annie Lennox, Brandi Carlile, Simon Le Bon, Dave Stewart and Judas Priest’s Rob Halford—to deliver a soul-stirring version of her classic hit
Dressed in rock‑chic leathers, Dolly took hold of the moment with her unmistakable voice leading the group through the song’s haunting melody—a testament to just how far “Jolene” has traveled since its 1973 debut . What made the moment especially poignant? Dolly had initially tried to decline her induction, believing she’d never fit into the “rock & roll” mold—until the Hall’s team helped her see that her influence spans genres
Then, in a memorable burst of solidarity, those other rock legends joined in—transforming the solo country classic into a communal anthem. Their voices blended into a spirited, cross-genre celebration, paying tribute to Dolly’s enduring legacy—and proving why she earned her rightful place in music history.
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By the end of the performance, the audience was on its feet, united in appreciation. Dolly, ever humble with her trademark smile, showed exactly why “Jolene” remains one of country music’s most iconic songs—reinterpreted, reimagined, and forever resonant.
Indeed, at that electric ceremony, Dolly Parton and friends didn’t just perform “Jolene.” They honored a career that refused to be confined, and reminded us all why legends never fade—they only evolve.
