Dolly Parton’s Hollywood star damaged after flowers stolen and name scratched

Repairs were already planned for cracks before a fan reported stolen flowers and fresh damage

Dolly Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star has been damaged after flowers left by grieving fans were reportedly stolen and the country music icon’s name was scratched from the surface. The incident occurred days after Parton’s death, when admirers had turned the landmark into a memorial filled with floral tributes.

According to TMZ, a fan reported on the evening of August 31 that flowers had been taken from around Parton’s star and that the star itself had been scratched. Video captured by KNX subsequently showed crews working at the Hollywood Walk of Fame location as the damaged star was being replaced.

Ana Martinez, a spokesperson for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, told that the star already had cracks and was scheduled for repairs. The additional damage was reported before the planned work took place.

Parton’s star was dedicated on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984, recognising her contribution to the recording industry. It has since become one of the most recognisable public markers associated with her extraordinary career in music and entertainment.

The damage came during an emotional period for Parton’s fans. After news of her death, admirers gathered around the star and placed bouquets, creating an impromptu memorial on Hollywood Boulevard. Photos shared showed flowers covering the area around the star, along with a farewell message honouring the singer.

 

 

 

 

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Parton died at 80 following a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives. She died in Nashville surrounded by loved ones at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center. Her representatives described her as someone who devoted her life to bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity to others, while also highlighting her philanthropic work and support for medical research.

The latest incident has not resulted in any publicly identified suspects. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has confirmed that repair work is taking place, but there has been no public announcement identifying who scratched the star or removed the flowers.

The timing has made the damage particularly striking because the location had only recently become a gathering point for fans mourning Parton. Her Hollywood star had effectively transformed into a place where admirers could leave flowers and pay their respects following her death.

Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame honour dates back to the height of her rise as a major recording artist and entertainer. Her career subsequently expanded across music, film, television and business, making her one of the most recognisable figures in American popular culture.

Her music catalogue includes songs such as "Jolene", "9 to 5", "Coat of Many Colors" and "I Will Always Love You", while her film work includes 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and The Bodyguard. She also became closely associated with Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park that bears her name.

The damaged star is expected to be restored as part of the repair work already scheduled by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.