Less than a week after the death of country music icon Dolly Parton, vandals have targeted her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, scratching out her name and stealing flowers left by mourners, according to multiple reports.
Images circulating on social media showed Parton’s name visibly scratched off the terrazzo-and-brass star on the famed Hollywood Boulevard walkway in Los Angeles. The damage was first reported Monday when a fan alerted authorities that flowers had been removed from the star and that the tribute had been defaced, according to TMZ.
Ana Martinez, a spokesperson for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, told TMZ that the star already had cracks in it before this latest incident. The chamber had reportedly been planning to repair the star as early as Tuesday, and video footage obtained by KNX News confirmed that repairs were indeed underway by Tuesday.
A sudden loss felt across the music world
The vandalism comes just days after Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80, following a brief battle with cancer, as reported by Breitbart News. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her passing in a video posted to Parton’s X account, reflecting on her peaceful passing and her enduring faith.
“While sadness lies with us, it is not with Dolly,” Seaver said, adding that the “Coat of Many Colors” singer “has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.”
Parton, known worldwide for hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5,” recorded more than 60 albums over her storied career. Notably, she left behind a never-before-heard song, which is reportedly set to be released on January 19, 2046 — what would have been her 100th birthday. In her 2021 memoir, Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, she revealed that she had written a secret song locked away in a box on display at Dollywood’s Dream More Resort and Spa in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, as reported by WKRN.
Tributes and honors continue
In the wake of her death, tributes have poured in from fans and public figures alike. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (R) and the Nashville International Airport have announced their intention to rename the airport in Parton’s honor. If completed, it would mark the first time a major U.S. international airport is named after a woman.
Parton’s Walk of Fame star was dedicated in 1984, reflecting her decades-long impact on the entertainment industry and her broader cultural influence. The star’s damage has prompted an outpouring of anger and sadness from fans, many of whom have taken to social media to express their dismay over the disrespect shown to the beloved performer.
Authorities have not yet identified a suspect or announced any arrests in connection with the vandalism. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the Walk of Fame, has not commented beyond Martinez’s initial statements about the repair plans.
Repairs to the star were expected to restore Parton’s name and ensure that her tribute remains a lasting symbol of her legacy. The chamber had previously noted that the star suffered from natural wear and tear, with cracks forming over the years, but the deliberate scratching has added urgency to the restoration efforts.
Parton’s death marked the end of an era for country music and pop culture. Her contributions extended far beyond her chart-topping songs and acting roles; she was also a tireless philanthropist, known for her literacy programs and support for various causes. Her legacy continues to be honored across the nation, from the planned airport renaming in Tennessee to the swift response to repair her Walk of Fame star in California.
The incident has also raised questions about the security of the iconic walkway, which has been the site of occasional vandalism over the years. While the stars are not typically guarded, the destruction of one belonging to such a revered figure as Parton has struck a nerve with the public.
As repairs continue, fans have been encouraged to pay their respects at the star, leaving flowers and other mementos in honor of the singer who touched millions with her music and her generosity. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has not indicated whether additional security measures will be implemented to prevent future incidents.
For now, the focus remains on restoring the star and remembering the life and career of Dolly Parton, whose voice and spirit will continue to resonate long after the scratches are repaired.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2026/09/02/repairs-underway-after-dolly-partons-hollywood-walk-of-fame-star-vandalized/