Dolly Parton’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been vandalized just days after her death at the age of 80.
Fans had gathered at the Hollywood landmark in Los Angeles following her death on August 25, leaving flowers, candles, and other tributes around the star, which was awarded to the beloved country singer in June 1984.
However, photos that circulated online showed that the star had been damaged, with vandals scratching across the surface and badly defacing her name.
The damage was addressed on September 2 as officials moved to restore the landmark and preserve the recognition dedicated to the late performer.
The Hollywood Historic Trust and Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced that a replacement star will be unveiled on September 4.
“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 organizations said in a joint Instagram post, alongside a photo showing the repair work.
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According to Ana Martinez of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the flowers and other tribute items left by fans had been removed before the restoration began. She also noted that repairs had already been planned because the star had developed cracks before it was vandalized.
The vandalism left fans who visited the Walk of Fame stunned, particularly because of Dolly’s reputation as one of the most widely loved figures in music.
“We actually walked all the way down here just to see Dolly Parton’s star. Like, I can’t believe that someone would do that because I didn’t think she had people who hated her,” one fan said in a report from BBC.
“First of all, it’s the Walk of Fame, but it’s Dolly. I don’t have any other way to put it. I’m shocked. The only way to put is it [that] I’m genuinely, genuinely shocked at this,” another expressed.
The incident also sparked an outpouring of disappointment online, with thousands of netizens expressing their dismay over seeing Dolly’s name defaced.
“That’s just sad and completely unnecessary. Dolly Parton’s legacy is bigger than a scratched name her impact on music, culture, and humanity can’t be vandalised. ❤️🎶,” one wrote on X.
“That shows what type of person they are. They waited 40+ years to vandalize it right after she died. Why can't people learn respect for the dead?” one more posted.
Beyond her decades-long career in music and entertainment, the “Jolene” singer was widely admired for her philanthropy. She donated millions of dollars to charitable causes including education, healthcare, disaster relief, and more.
According to her third cousin, Brent Allen, she died following a brief battle with cancer.
Tributes from around the world have continued to pour in to honor Dolly, with friends and fellow performers including Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, and many others remembering her.
Her goddaughter Miley Cyrus also shared an emotional letter on Instagram following her death, referring to the country legend as her “Aunt Dolly” who is now an angel by her side.
“I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things. 💖,” part of her post read.
Dolly was laid to rest at a private family funeral on August 28. She was buried beside her late husband, Carl Dean, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in her home state of Tennessee.