Dolly Parton’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was vandalized one week after her death on August 25, with her name scratched off and flowers reportedly stolen. Ana Martinez, a spokesperson for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, confirmed the damage in interviews with multiple outlets, noting the star had already been scheduled for repairs due to pre-existing cracks.
Repairs began Tuesday and are expected to conclude Friday, according to Martinez. The Hollywood Historic Trust, which maintains the Walk of Fame stars, is overseeing the refurbishment. A fan first reported the vandalism on Monday, prompting the chamber to accelerate the scheduled repairs.
Tributes left by fans were removed Monday morning to facilitate the work, which includes polishing the star before it is reopened to the public. The star, installed in 1984, has become a makeshift memorial since Parton’s passing, with mourners leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten messages.
Official Statements and Timeline
Ana Martinez told TMZ, the Daily Mail, and Newsweek that the vandalism was discovered after a fan reported scratches and missing flowers. The star had been slated for repair due to visible cracks and wear, but the damage occurred the night before the scheduled work began. Martinez stated the repairs were already planned before the new incident.
The first phase of repairs was completed Tuesday, with the star set to be polished and reopened to the public by Friday. Martinez emphasized that the refurbishment was part of routine maintenance, though the vandalism prompted an expedited process.
Fan Reactions and Public Response
Fans expressed devastation online, with many describing the act as heartbreaking. Comments on social media ranged from expressions of grief to questions about the perpetrator’s motives. Some users noted the star’s pre-existing damage, attributing the vandalism to broader concerns about wear and tear.
Background: Parton’s Legacy and the Walk of Fame
Dolly Parton received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984 in recognition of her recording career. Since her death, the star has served as a gathering place for mourners, with aerial photos showing it surrounded by tributes days after her passing. Parton died at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, and her private funeral was held in Nashville on August 28.