Dolly Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star vandalized days after her death
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Repairs are underway after Dolly Parton’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was vandalized, with the damaged star set to be polished and available for fans to view on Friday, September 4, following the scheduled restoration work.
The star had become a makeshift memorial following Parton’s death, with fans leaving flowers, photos, candles, and other mementos. Parton died on August 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
Dolly Parton’s vandalized Hollywood Walk of Fame star repaired
Photos and videos circulated on social media showing Parton’s star with scratches, including damage to her name. A spokesperson for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce confirmed that the star had been vandalized and that repairs were underway.
“A fan went to the star yesterday and reported on social that the star was vandalized with many scratches. From the photo she posted, it does appear the star was vandalized with scratches,” the spokesperson said.
Flowers were removed Monday morning ahead of the scheduled repairs, which began Tuesday, September 1.
The spokesperson explained that the repair had been arranged late the previous week and that the crew had completed the first part of the work.
“This repair was set up late last week and the crew just completed the first part of making said repairs,” the spokesperson continued, “The star repairs are currently ongoing and are done by the Hollywood Historic Trust, which maintains and repairs the Walk of Fame stars. The star will cure and will be polished on Friday for fans to enjoy.”
The Hollywood Historic Trust also shared an update on Instagram, writing, “The Hollywood Historic Trust and Hollywood Chamber of Commerce are proud to honor the legacy of Dolly Parton with a replacement of her star. The new star will be available for viewing this Friday.”
Parton’s original star was dedicated in June 1984 in the same ceremony as Sylvester Stallone’s at 6712 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles. The two were celebrated in a combined ceremony while promoting their film ‘Rhinestone.’
Dolly Parton’s legacy honored after her death
In June 2018, Parton received a second Hollywood Walk of Fame star alongside Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, honoring their 1987 collaborative album ‘Trio.’ The recognition made Parton the first woman in the 21st century to have two stars.
“I am so excited that I have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Well, not just me, but with two of my best friends, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, for the Trio,” Parton said on social media at the time.
“Now, they tell me that I’m the first person this century, the first woman, to have two stars. Of course that’s natural. I like to do things in pairs, if you know what I mean,” she quipped and added, “But I really am excited, so thank you.”
Following her death, her representatives described her legacy as one of love, compassion, and resilience, highlighting her seven-decade career, timeless music, prolific songwriting, wit, warmth, kindness, and philanthropic work.
Parton was privately buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville on August 28, per her wishes.
Her niece, Lainey Mae Parton, later shared an emotional tribute, recalling how her aunt made her feel that she was enough, supported her dreams, and made her feel safe, confident, and that she belonged.
