Mysterious Vandal Strikes Dolly Parton’s Walk of Fame Star Days After Her Death
Is it possible for a star to shine a little too brightly, even after its light goes out? That’s the question swirling in my mind as I digest the wild, surreal saga of Dolly Parton’s vandalized Hollywood Walk of Fame star—a literal smudge on a dazzling legacy, just days after her sudden passing sent a wave of heartbreak crashing across the globe . Grief comes in all forms—I get it, but who wakes up and thinks, “Today, I’m going to scratch up Dolly’s name and, while I’m at it, swipe the flowers, too”? Somewhere between fans piling tributes and star-scratching vandals, we’re watching the bizarre choreography of pop culture mourning play out on Hollywood Boulevard . Honestly, it’s as if Dolly’s spirit is being tested—because if anyone could turn tragic vandalism into a quirky plot twist, it’s her . But one thing’s for sure: you can’t erase what Dolly Parton wrote into the world (with better penmanship than whoever used candle shards) . For the full untamed story—and all the heart, grit, and glitter in between—LEARN MORE.
Dolly Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star is undergoing repairs after being vandalised just days after the iconic singer died.
The beloved country singer died aged 80 on 25 August following a ‘brief battle’ with cancer.
Her sudden passing led to an outpouring of grief from across the globe with famous faces from across the music industry and Hollywood paying tribute.
Meanwhile, many fans decided to pay their respects by heading out to Parton’s star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame to lay flowers, candles, and handwritten messages.
However, it seems not every went to the spot with good intentions.
On Monday evening (31 August) footage began appearing on social media showing deep, dark scratches scribbling out Parton’s name.
There were also reports that flowers left at the site had been stolen.
Dolly Parton was honoured with the star in 1984 (Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty Images)
In a post on Threads, one fan who had been to visit the star said: “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 have hit out the senseless act on X, with one saying: “This hurts my heart so much.”
Someone else commented: “This is vile.”
While others questioned ‘who would do that’?
Fortunately, work is currently underway to restore the star to its former glory.
Ana Martinez, a spokesperson for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, told The Independent that the landmark spot had already been scheduled for repairs to fix some cracks caused by general wear and tear.
“The star was scheduled for repair for cracks as of last week,” she said in a statement.
“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.”
Parton’s sad passing 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’.
Celebrities who have paid tribute to Dolly Parton
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’, and the billionaire songstress wrote a touching tribute for the country icon.
She 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.
Tributes had piled up at the star (Slick/Star Max/GC Images)
“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
The singer, who created her own version of ‘Jolene’ back 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 back in 2022.
Parton wrote in the note: “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.”
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