Dolly Parton’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is being replaced after it was found scratched and damaged, days after the country music icon’s death.
The star, at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, had become a makeshift memorial, with fans leaving flowers, candles and messages in tribute to the singer. Images shared online showed dark marks across the name plaque and surrounding surface.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce said a fan had reported that the star appeared to have been vandalised. A witness claimed a woman had kicked candles across the site before using a broken shard to scratch the star, while a man later took flowers from the memorial.
The account has not been independently verified, and no arrests or official investigation have been announced.
The Hollywood Historic Trust, which maintains the Walk of Fame, said the star had already been scheduled for repairs because of age-related damage. The work was brought forward following Parton’s death on August 25, according to the trust’s executive director, Lily Weiner.
Crews have removed the brass emblem and begun replacing the black terrazzo panel. The repaired surface must cure for several days before it can be polished, with the emblem expected to be returned on Friday.
“When she passed, the Hollywood Historic Trust and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce made the decision to move her repair timeline up, in order to honour her life and legacy,” Ms Weiner told CBS Los Angeles.
The Hollywood Historic Trust said it was “proud to honour the legacy of Dolly Parton with a replacement of her star”.
Parton received her first Hollywood star in 1984 for her achievements as a solo recording artist. A second star was awarded in 2019 alongside Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, recognising the trio’s work together.
Fans had gathered at the Hollywood memorial following Parton’s death at the age of 80. She was laid to rest beside her husband, Carl Dean, at a private memorial, while a public celebration of her life is expected to take place through Dollyfest events in Nashville and London in 2027.
