Dolly Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star is being repaired after it was vandalised just days after the country music icon died aged 80 on 25 August following a ‘brief battle’ with cancer.
Parton’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, musicians and Hollywood stars around the world. Many admirers visited her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to leave flowers, candles and handwritten messages.
However, deep, dark scratches were reportedly carved across Parton’s name on Monday evening (31 August), while flowers left at the landmark were also said to have been stolen.
Fans condemn damage to Dolly Parton’s star
One fan who visited the star said on Threads:
“When we arrived a custodian was cleaning and told us a woman kicked candles around then with the shards of one scratched the star.“Then a man came and stole the flowers that were there.”
She added:
“It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Fans condemned the alleged vandalism on X. One wrote:
“This hurts my heart so much.”
Another commented:
“This is vile.”
Others questioned ‘who would do that’?
Hollywood Walk of Fame star scheduled for repairs
Repairs were already planned before the reported vandalism, according to Ana Martinez, a spokesperson for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. She told The Independent that the star had been scheduled for work to repair cracks caused by general wear and tear.
“The star was scheduled for repair for cracks as of last week,”
Martinez said in a statement.
She added:
“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 vandalised with scratches.“The flowers had been removed yesterday morning in order to do the scheduled repair on the star today. “This repair was set up late last week and the crew is currently at the star making said repairs. The 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, which maintains and repairs Walk of Fame stars, is carrying out the work. A social media video showed Parton’s name scratched on the star, while no suspects had been identified.
Tributes to Dolly Parton from Miley Cyrus and other stars
Parton’s death was confirmed by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, in an emotional video in which he recalled a ‘lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly’.
Miley Cyrus
Parton’s goddaughter wrote on Instagram:
“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.”
“What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.”
“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.”
Donald Trump
The US president wrote on Truth Social:
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away.”
“This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
“In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
Taylor Swift
Parton had previously praised Swift as a ‘great inspiration’. Swift wrote:
“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.“She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously.
“She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted.”Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist.“Along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too.“Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.”
Beyoncé
Beyoncé, who created her own version of ‘Jolene’ in 2024, wrote:
“Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself.”
“I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship. I’m honoured that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever.”
“Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
Eminem
The ‘Real Slim Shady’ rapper shared a note from Parton congratulating him on his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Parton wrote:
“Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it.”
“I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.”
“Just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know.”
Eminem wrote:
“I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it.”
“Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense.”
“Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”
